Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
May 04, 2021 | Young Adult Historical Fiction
ISBN 9781524740986
Luck of the Titanic
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes the richly imagined story of Valora and Jamie Luck, twin British-Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage.
Valora Luck has two things: a ticket for the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner in the world, and a dream of leaving England behind and making a life for herself as a circus performer in New York. Much to her surprise though, she’s turned away at the gangway; apparently, Chinese aren’t allowed into America.
But Val has to get on that ship. Her twin brother Jamie, who has spent two long years at sea, is there, as is an influential circus owner, whom Val hopes to audition for. Thankfully, there’s not much a trained acrobat like Val can’t overcome when she puts her mind to it.
As a stowaway, Val should keep her head down and stay out of sight. But the clock is ticking and she has just seven days as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic to find Jamie, perform for the circus owner, and convince him to help get them both into America.
Then one night the unthinkable happens, and suddenly Val’s dreams of a new life are crushed under the weight of the only thing that matters: survival.
Kirkus Reviews
“Issues of racial and class discrimination are seamlessly woven into the story… Her wit and pluck give the story such buoyancy… Anticipation of the inevitable adds a layer of tension to the narrative… A gem from start to bittersweet finish.”
Publisher's Weekly
“Lee deftly sketches a compassionate cast and immerses readers in the ship’s architecture and socially stratified atmosphere, sustaining suspense throughout by foreshadowing the disaster to come. A finely crafted historical exploration of identity, class, and family that resonates through the present.”
School Library Journal
“With a compassionate, strong heroine and a diverse cast, this is an exciting, important retelling of the Titanic tragedy.”
Booklist
“Lee’s conversational style adds a freshness to the historical frame and achieves a thrilling balance between hope and anguish through budding romances and humor amid the looming tragedy.”
School Library Connection
“[Lee’s] writing draws the reader into this ‘night to remember’… Devastating.”
Awards, Honors & Praise
2022 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books List
2022 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults List
Tayshas 2022 Reading List (TEXAS)
2021 Golden Poppy Award
A Discussion Guide to the Works of Stacey Lee
Discussion questions for all of Stacey Lee’s historical fiction from Penguin Random House.