Sink or Swim: A Novel of WWII | Scholastic Canada
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Sink or Swim: A Novel of WWII

By Steve Watkins   

Scholastic Inc | ISBN 9781338057904 Hardcover
272 Pages | 5.79" x 8.61" | Ages 8 to 12

Scholastic Inc | ISBN 9781338057911 Ebook
272 Pages | Ages 8 to 12

Inspired by the true story of the youngest boy who served in World War II, Steve Watkins weaves a story of courage in the face of danger and hope in the face of defeat.

It's been a month since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. America is officially at war with Germany and Japan, and everyone wants to do their part. In twelve-year-old Colton's case, that means stepping up at home once his older brother, Danny, ships out with the navy. But before Danny leaves for boot camp, the brothers are fishing on the Atlantic Ocean when Danny's boat is capsized by a Nazi U-boat, nearly killing him.

When more U-boats start attacking the next day, Colton realizes just how close the enemy is to American shores. With Danny's life in the balance, Colton does the only thing he can think of to help his family and his country: He steals his brother's enlisting papers and joins up instead.

Colton's bold decision leads to a deadly journey. Even if he can keep his age a secret and survive boot camp, he'll have to face Hitler's ruthless submarines. Only the longer he's on the seas, the less sure Colton is that he and his shipmates can stop such a relentless enemy . . .

Raves & reviews:

Praise for The Secret of Midway (Ghosts of War):

"Watkins does a fine job of weaving realistic and historical fiction elements with a good old-fashioned ghost story." -- School Library Journal

"The supernatural and sleuthing story components make for a lively history lesson and should foster an interesting discussion around the Battle of Midway, as well as aspects of war frequently forgotten with time." -- Booklist

"This would be a great supplement to a unit on the war in the Pacific." -- School Library Connection