Lifeboat 12

Main Themes and Topics

"Lifeboat 12" by Susan Hood delves into themes of survival, courage, and hope in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story highlights the harrowing experience of 13-year-old Ken Sparks and his journey aboard the SS City of Benares, a ship intended to carry children to safety away from the war-torn city of London. As an exploration of wartime struggles, the novel beautifully captures the persistent spirit required to overcome life-threatening challenges. The importance of camaraderie and the power of believing in one another stand prominently throughout this poignant narrative, illustrating how bonds formed under duress can help in the fight for survival.

Writing Style and Tone

Susan Hood employs a novel-in-verse format to tell the story, which adds a lyrical and, at times, haunting quality to the narrative. The verses effectively encapsulate the urgency and emotion of Ken's struggle for survival, conveying both the gravity of the situation and the resilience of youth facing unimaginable odds. The tone is a carefully balanced mix of hope and tension, with moments of levity amidst the seriousness of the subject matter. Hood’s choice of words paints vivid imagery and stirs empathy, making it accessible and engaging, particularly for a middle-grade audience.

Awards and Recognition

"Lifeboat 12" has been met with significant acclaim, being a Junior Library Guild Selection and winning several prestigious awards. It is the 2019 Golden Kite Middle Grade Fiction Award Winner and has been listed as a 2019 ALSC Notable Children’s Book. The book has also won the 2019–2020 Lectio Book Award and features on the 2020–2021 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award List. Additionally, it was honored with the Oklahoma Library Association’s Children’s Sequoyah Book Award and the Connecticut Book Award. These accolades reflect its quality as an educational and compelling narrative for young readers.

Brief Summary

"Lifeboat 12" recounts the true story of young Ken Sparks, who embarks on a voyage to escape the bombings in London during World War II. Traveling aboard the SS City of Benares, what starts as a journey filled with newfound friendships and lavish experiences quickly turns into a terrifying fight for survival when the ship is struck by a torpedo. Ken finds himself aboard Lifeboat 12 with other children, facing uncertainty and the vastness of the sea. The novel explores Ken's resilience and the collective effort required to endure such a dire situation, while also bringing attention to a lesser-known historical event.