Jacksonville Public Library

Attacked at sea, a true World War II story of a family's fight for survival, Michael J. Tougias and Alison O'Leary

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages [199]-205)

collective biography

illustrationsplatesmaps

no index present

Ages 9-14, Henry Holt and Company Books for Young Readers

Grades 7-9, Henry Holt and Company Books for Young Readers

non fiction

Attacked at sea

bibliography

1142894330

Michael J. Tougias and Alison O'Leary

True rescue series

a true World War II story of a family's fight for survival

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

Part I. A tired old workhorse -- Ina and the South American venture -- War worries and thinking of home -- Admiral Dönitz and his Gray Wolves -- Harro Schacht and U-507 -- The Grey Wolves and the Mississippi -- Moving ever closer -- Closer to home -- An uneasy feeling -- Part II. Torpedoes in the night -- Ina, Lucille, and a sinking ship -- The raft -- A most hopeless night -- Battling the cold -- Dawn -- Desperation -- Running out of time -- Sharks, dolphins, and birds far away -- Something in the sky -- A silent vigil -- A wavering light -- Part III. Triumphant return to Lorient -- Morgan City, Louisiana, and the hospital -- Recovery -- The family's resilience

juvenile