Everything you think you know about the Titanic is about to be turned upside down — and your young history lover is going to be hooked from page one!

History Smashers: The Titanic by Kate Messner dives deep beneath the myths and misconceptions surrounding one of history's most famous disasters, revealing the surprising — and often stranger — true story behind the sinking of the so-called "unsinkable" ship. Packed with sidebars, illustrations, photographs, and graphic panels, this action-packed nonfiction book is perfect for curious readers aged 8–12, especially fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. With a lively, engaging style that makes history feel like an adventure, it's a brilliant choice for classroom reading, independent exploration, or a gift that will actually get read.

Myths Busted, Truth Delivered: Did you know nobody was really calling the Titanic "unsinkable" until after it sank? Messner digs into the real facts — like the four ships that warned the Titanic about icebergs it ignored — giving young readers a thrilling lesson in critical thinking and historical truth.
Irresistibly Readable Format: A dynamic mix of sidebars, photos, illustrations, and graphic novel-style panels keeps even reluctant readers turning pages, making this a fantastic pick for kids who prefer their history fast-paced and fun.
Builds Historical Thinking Skills: By challenging popular myths and showing how history gets distorted over time, this book encourages children to question what they're told and seek out primary sources — an invaluable skill for school and beyond.
Part of a Celebrated Series: History Smashers: The Titanic sits alongside other brilliant titles in the series covering the Mayflower, the Underground Railroad, Pearl Harbor, and more — perfect for building a home or classroom nonfiction library.

About the Author

Kate Messner is an award-winning author and former middle school teacher whose books are beloved by educators, librarians, and young readers alike. Known for making complex subjects accessible and exciting, she is the author of dozens of books for children and young adults, including the History Smashers series and the Ranger in Time adventure series. History Smashers: The Titanic is illustrated by Dylan Meconis, a graphic novelist and illustrator celebrated for her dynamic, expressive artwork.

Product Details

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date: April 6, 2021
Language: English
Print length: 224 pages
ISBN-13: 9780593120439
Reading age: 8–12 years