Attacked at Sea (Young Readers Edition): A True World War II Story of a Family's Fight for Survival -- Michael J. Tougias, Hardcover

A riveting WWII account of survival at sea--Book 4 in the middle grade True Rescue series from Michael J. Tougias, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Finest Hours.

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year!

On May 19, 1942, during WWII, a U-boat in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey fifty miles from New Orleans. The submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia. Most onboard were merchant seamen, but there were also civilians, including the Downs family: Ray and Ina, and their two children. Fast asleep in their berths, the Downs family had no idea that two torpedoes were heading their way. When the ship exploded, chaos ensued--and each family member had to find their own path to survival.

This inspiring historical narrative tells the story of the Downs family as they struggle against sharks, hypothermia, blinding oil, drowning, and dehydration in their effort to survive the aftermath of this deadly attack off the American coast.

Christy Ottaviano Books

New York Times bestselling author Michael J. Tougias adapts his histories of real life stories for young readers in his True Rescue Series, capturing the heroism and humanity of people on life-saving missions during maritime disasters.

Illustrated Chapter Books for ages 6-9:
True Rescue: The Finest Hours
True Rescue: A Storm Too Soon

Young Readers Adaptations, for ages 9-14
The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition)
A Storm Too Soon (Young Readers Edition)
Into the Blizzard (Young Readers Edition)
Attacked at Sea (Young Readers Edition)

Author: Michael J. Tougias, Alison O'Leary
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 10/27/2020
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 9.10h x 5.90w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250128065
Age Range: 11-16

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.1
Point Value: 8
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 510827 / Attacked at Sea: A True World War II Story of a Family's Fight for Survival (Young Readers Adaptati


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2020
School Library Journal 10/01/2020 pg. 101
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2020

About the Author

Michael J. Tougias is the author of many true rescue stories for young readers and adults, including the New York Times-bestselling The Finest Hours: The True Story of a Heroic Sea Rescue; A Storm Too Soon: A Remarkable True Survival Story in 80-Foot Seas; and Into the Blizzard: Heroism At Sea During the Great Blizzard of 1978. A frequent lecturer at schools, colleges, and libraries, Tougias divides his time between Massachusetts and Florida.

Alison O'Leary is an award-winning journalist based in New England. She is a former correspondent for the Boston Globe and the author of So Close to Home and Inns and Adventures.