TITANIC CROSSING

In this time of heightened awareness of the TITANIC, it's refreshing to listen to a story that brings the Atlantic crossing into focus for young people. In Barbara Williams's novel, 13-year-old Albert, whose head is full of detailed information about the construction of the vessel, is faced with horrific decisions when an iceberg cripples the ship in April of 1912. Narrator Jeff Woodman brings Albert to life. He is the vivacious boy excited about the voyage, frustrated by his younger sister, worried about his newly widowed mother and her relationship with his father's family, and perplexed about his feelings for Emily, a shipboard friend. Woodman is equally convincing in his portrayal of the supporting characters. The listener comes away with a sense of culture and family in the early 1900s and an appreciation for some of the complex decisions made on that fateful night. A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]