I have read a few novels by Jennifer A. Nielsen but "Iceberg" would definitely be my favourite so far. Even though I knew how the book would end, the details about the Titanic, the dangerous secrets that Hazel was trying to uncover and the final moments aboard the 'unsinkable' ship made for an exciting read. ( )

Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen takes you throughout the Titanic as it leaves England to travel across the Atlantic to New York.

Hazel Rothbury needs to make money to help her family, so she chooses to stow away on the Titanic in order to work with her aunt at a garment factory in New York. Hazel first meets Charlie, a 14-year-old crew member who quickly discovers that Hazel isn't a paid passenger. Despite his better judgement, Charlie chooses to help Hazel. Hazel easily runs about the ship, from 1st to 3rd class constantly. A few of the crew begin to recognize her, making her be even more sneaky. She decides that she wants to record everything she learns about the Titanic and sell her story to a newspaper. Her dream is to become a journalist. She constantly asks questions about the ship. She also notices a lot as she sneaks about. She discovers some people who plan to steal from the rich. She also learns that the Titanic is on fire and has been for quite a while. As she seeks out information on the fire and the con people, she also meets other passengers on the Titanic, such as Mrs. Abelman and Sylvia and Sylvia's governess Miss Gruber.

Throughout the voyage, Hazel runs about asking questions and making friends and, yes, enemies. As the tragic night draws closer, Hazel's secrets are uncovered, and she is in huge trouble for stowing away. She is the only passenger who fears that an iceberg can take the unsinkable Titanic down. When the Titanic hits the iceberg, Hazel realizes immediately that the situation is bad. She will be in all parts of the Titanic as it is sinking. Facts are listed at the end of the novel, detailing the statistics concerning the lifeboats and passengers.

I found it a little unbelievable that a girl could run around the Titanic as much as Hazel does. I most enjoyed the ending of the novel when the ship was sinking--I thought it was the best written part of the novel. This novel would be enjoyable for those who enjoy historical fiction and want to learn about one of the most famous disasters of the 1900s. ( )

This middle grade book about the sinking of the Titanic should appeal to both girls and boys. Hazel, a young girl, is traveling to America to work in a factory and send money home to her destitute family. Unable to afford the price of a ticket, she stows away, and is discovered by a young porter, Charlie. They become friends, and help each other on the voyage. The author does a good job of explaining the ship’s layout, the class levels, and the sinking itself. Both Hazel and Charlie are strong protagonists and well developed characters. Though fiction, many historically accurate details are included. The novel is exciting, intriguing, and entertaining, and even if readers know the eventual outcome of the ship, the way the story ends for Hazel and for Charlie will be a surprise. ( )

First sentence: In the end, in those final minutes before the Titanic sank into its grave, some people would jump overboard, taking their chances in the icy water. They had little hope of surviving, but if they continued clinging to the rails, they'd have no chance at all.

Premise/plot: Hazel Rothbury is a young stowaway on the Titanic. (Her mother gave her money for the trip not knowing how much even a third class ticket would be, expecting the money to last until she was able to find work in New York City.) Hazel is curious, ambitious, and loyal. Curious--she has A MILLION questions. Ambitious--she know that she probably will be forced to work in a factory, but she dreams of being a journalist, a writer. Loyal--she will go above and beyond to do anything for a friend. These are all new friends she's made since stowing away.

My thoughts: I'm so conflicted. I am. On the one hand, once the ship hits the iceberg, it's IMPOSSIBLE not to find this a compelling read. It's intense and emotional. On the other hand, Hazel, our protagonist, spends days asking question after question to anyone/everyone that seems a little off. Questions about refraction, icebergs, binoculars, hulls, lifeboats, etc. She also happens to conveniently overhear dozens of conversations. These coincidences almost make it read like a Twilight Zone episode where the protagonist knows every detail that will lead up to disaster but is unable to do anything but watch it all play out.

I liked the characters. I liked the story. I personally would have preferred fewer coincidences, or just so happens. I think Hazel could have been a stowaway or a third class passenger without being so incredibly curious; it takes gumption to approach ALL the crew (including the higher ups) and ask nosy questions. Especially considering the fact that she is a stowaway. Her questions seem a little abrasive, condescending. Do I admire Hazel's other qualities? Yes. For the most part. Again, she shows a lot of gumption. She'll RISK just about everything--to protect and help her friends. She puts herself in harm's way long before the iceberg hits the Titanic. But especially afterwards. She knows the risks--she's not walking into the situation blindly like some of the passengers. She knows that every single second, minute counts. The difference between life and death--and still she puts her friends first.

Quotes:

“Grief is like the flu,” she said. “It brushes by some, barely leaving its mark. For others, it will take hold, perhaps for a very long time before a person finds healing.”

“Who would you be without your questions? Perhaps a girl easily led around by others, with no thoughts of your own? I would rather be curious than beautiful, for a girl without curiosity is only beautiful on the surface. I would rather be curious than wealthy, for a girl with a mind full of questions is more valuable than a girl with jewels on her empty head. I would wish to be the kind of person to ask questions more than I would wish to be anyone with no questions worth asking. You should keep the notebook awhile longer.” I smiled back at her. “Thank you.”

How arrogant I had been to come to the bow, as if I were the queen of this very small world at sea.But of course, the Titanic itself was arrogant, a challenge to the heavens and everything below it, and to nature itself. If I had learned anything from the death of my father, it was that nature would have its way. Anyone who refused to accept that reality would one day have to face it. Perhaps even on this mighty ship.
When I’d had my fill of the view, I turned and noticed the lifeboats on the deck. ( )

Iceberg by Jennifer Nielsen

Having previously enjoyed Nielsen’s novel Resistance (set in Poland during the Holocaust), and being familiar with many accounts of the Titanic disaster, I am quite pleased to have the opportunity to review this book. Thankfully, the novel exceeded my expectations. In Iceberg, our heroine is a young woman named Hazel. Lacking funds, she snuck aboard the Titanic, and dreams of becoming an investigative journalist in order to save her family from poverty. Hazel’s talent for writing and strong sense of morality will be put to the test as disaster becomes imminent aboard the ship. Nielsen creates memorable characters, while slipping valuable history lessons effortlessly into the plot. This is a powerful story of adventure, friendship, and ultimately, survival. Although geared towards middle grade readers, I believe this book can be a pleasurable read for those of all ages. ( )