Sink or Swim: A Novel of World War II

by Steve Watkins

Overview

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. But the longer he's on the seas, the less sure Colton is that he and his shipmates can stop such a relentless enemy . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338057911
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	10/31/2017
Sold by:	Scholastic, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	397,660
Lexile:	1040L (what's this?)
File size:	6 MB
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Steve Watkins is the author of the young adult novels On Blood Road, Juvie, What Comes After, Great Falls, as well as the middle-grade novels Down Sand Mountain, Sink or Swim, and the Ghosts of War series. A former professor of journalism, creative writing, and Vietnam War literature, Steve cofounded and helps a nonprofit yoga studio and works with an urban reforestation organization in his hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Sink or Swim"A briskly paced, action-packed, surprisingly realistic war story." —Kirkus Reviews"Full of action, adventure, and history." -School Library Journal"Watkins evokes the horror of war and desperation of the fighting force all while portraying an erstwhile and appealing young hero" -Booklist"This captivating, don't-want-to-put-it-down story of Colton's journey will keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat, just waiting to see what happens next." -School Library ConnectionPraise for Ghosts of War, The Secret of Midway"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

From the Publisher

09/01/2017
Gr 4–6—Twelve-year-old Colton steals his brother Danny's enlistment papers and joins the Navy. (Danny was badly hurt when a German U-boat hit their fishing boat and is in a coma.) Colton, surprisingly, survives boot camp and is soon on a ship in the Navy. Through his time at sea, Colton promises to take care of his family and fight the Germans that hurt his brother. Although the premise seems unbelievable, it is based on a true story of the youngest U.S. soldier to fight in Word War II. Colton is a strong character who allows younger readers to get a glimpse into combat life during the Second World War. The book is full of action, adventure, and history. Watkins explains enough aspects of the Navy to engage readers, but keeps it brief so as not to take attention away from the main plot. VERDICT As little context is explored, this novel will be best appreciated by readers with a basic knowledge of World War II history.—Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

School Library Journal