LIFEBOAT 12 is based on a true story. Set during WW II as the Nazis began bombing England, readers will learn about the effort to transport children out of the city and out of danger.
Thirteen-year-old Ken Sparks was sent by ship to Canada by his father and stepmother. Although he knew he would miss his little sister, Ken was eager to go on this adventure. What followed was an uncomfortable train ride that included many stops when bombs threatened until Ken and the rest of the group of children arrived at the ship that would take them to safety.
The ship was a luxury liner which meant Ken and his fellow young passengers benefited from comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and entertainment they weren't used to at home.
Five days into their journey, the ship was hit by German torpedoes. Ken ended up with nearly 50 others in lifeboat 12. It was eight grueling days later before they were finally rescued and taken back to England.
Author Susan Hood recounts the horrors of the lifeboat passengers as they rationed water and food, suffered by trench foot, blazing sun, followed by freezing night temperatures. Ken Sparks was able to contribute firsthand details before his death in 2015.
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