Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship”
On September 17, 1940, the SS City of Benares, a passenger ship traveling from England to Canada with one hundred children on board, was struck by a torpedo fired from a German submarine. It was 10:00 pm, in a raging storm. Within thirty minutes the ship sank, leaving passengers struggling to survive until rescue arrived. For some that would be late the next day; for others, not for more than a week. For many, help did not arrive in time.
In Torpedoed, award-winning author Deborah Heiligman provides a deeply moving and true account of the attack and sinking of “The Children’s Ship,” for middle-grade readers. On the anniversary of the sinking we’re remembering the lives lost and shining light on this often overlooked tragic event from WWII history.
A note from the author:
A few years ago, my editor showed me a photograph of a custom-made child’s life jacket, bright red silk. Do you want to look into this story, she asked? I did! And what a story it turned out to be–one full of drama and despair, triumph and joy. It’s a tale of people who survive against the odds. The stories of heroism, bravery, altruism and community astonished and inspired me. Everything is true—culled from interviews, reports, letters, autobiographies. I even met and interviewed the last two remaining survivors.
Although this is a story of war, I hope readers will find it life-affirming. And I pray my telling it will lead to less war and more peace.
Learn more about Torpedoed by Deborah Heiligman here.
On sale 10/08/2019.
This is my new book!
