Schillow, Ned W. & Dru T. Titanic Hearts. 1st printing. Philadelphia: Xlibris. January, 2007. wraps. children’s book (fifth grade level). A hardcover edition is due out in a few months. isbn: 1425738427. scarcity: fairly common.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

The news of the sinking of the Titanic shocked the world. In Skippack, Alberta and her family wanted to find a way to help out, especially when they learned that some of the victims and survivors were other Pennsylvanians. This fictional story describes the way many Americans reached out and is an exciting glimpse at some true events in small town America in the early 1900s.

Meet the Shaffer children. Alberta is the oldest child. Ray, the oldest son is very helpful on the farm. Then there is Winnie, full of fun and even a bit mischievous at times. Doris is the town greeter who loves to reach out to everybody, and little Howard is always full of questions. Meet Chum, a most adventurous dog; and the town residents, who share the news of the sinking of the Titanic and join together when the need arises. And meet the Schneider brothers, the meanest, dirtiest, nastiest kids in town. Experience that true sense of community and the strong ethical commitment that the townspeople of Skippack demonstrate as the pull together for the common cause.

This historical fiction book depicts life in the early 1900's in small town, U.S.A. Many of the adventures of the Shaffer children on the farm and the stories about many of those on the Titanic are historically accurate. The fictional blending of the two provides an enjoyable read for children of all ages.

Copies signed by the authors are available. E-mail them at [email protected].