REVIEW: I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937

I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937
Author: Lauren Tarshis

There are 17 books in the I Survived series. Each book tells a fictionalized eye-witness account of a historical disaster or event. The books are for kids, so the protagonist of each book is a child, usually about 10-11 years old. This series is excellent! The stories are a mix of historical fact and fictionalized story, bringing the events alive for middle-grade age students. The books range from modern events like 9/11 to more ancient disasters like the destruction of Pompeii.

I Survived the Hingenburg Disaster, 1937 is the 13th book in the series. Hugo is 11 and travelling on the Hindenburg with his parents and little sister, Gertie. Hugo's mother is a little bit afraid to fly on an airship, but Hugo tells her it's the safest mode of travel with the fewest accidents. Little does he know that when they arrive in New Jersey on May 6th, 1937 that the ship is going to explode while landing. A family adventure turns into a dangerous, life threatening disaster. 35 people died in the disaster, and was the beginning of the end for airship travel.

This book is excellent and could easily be used in a classroom situation. It could be used to encourage kids to read, as supplemental reading for a history lesson or to read out loud to a class of students. Kids interested in history would love this series. The topics are varied and the event is related in realistic terms but not too graphic. Just enough detail....but not too much. The contents are age appropriate for middle-grade age children. As an adult, I enjoy this series as well. I like to read children's books in between heavier adult fiction to give my brain a bit of a break. I love history, so this series is perfect for me.

The cover art for this series is always colorful and eye-catching. The stories are interesting with lots of action. This series might be a good choice for kids who are reluctant readers.