It is 1915, and twelve-year-old Penny and her brother Charles are embarking on a trip to England aboard the RMS Lusitania. But war is brewing overseas, and there are rumors that Germany will torpedo any ship that comes into the area, even a ship full of civilian passengers. Shy and nervous Penny is worried, but those worries fade when she makes her first real friend, a bold girl named Mary. With Mary, Penny begins to find her voice for the first time. Then, as they approach Ireland, their worst fear comes true: The Lusitania is struck by a torpedo. In the chaos of a sinking ship, Penny becomes separated from Charles and Mary, and she must gather all her courage to stay alive and face an uncertain future. This fast-paced “Girls Survive” historical fiction, with nonfiction backmatter, including an author's note, discussion questions, and more-will captivate readers as they learn the devastating story of the sinking of the Lusitania.
