Torpedoed
The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2019
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Themes include War and its impact on civilians
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- Survival
- Courage and heroism
- War and its impact on civilians
- Family separation and evacuation
- Moral responsibility and decision-making
- Resilience and hope
- Maritime disaster
- Witness testimony and memory
- Government policy and consequences
- Compassion and sacrifice
About this book
A gripping work of narrative nonfiction about the 1940 torpedoing of the SS City of Benares, a liner carrying 100 British children to safety in Canada during the Blitz. Deborah Heiligman weaves survivor testimonies, official records, and archival photos into a tense, human story of the convoy’s voyage, the U-boat attack in the North Atlantic, desperate hours in lifeboats, and the political and personal repercussions of the tragedy.
Setting: North Atlantic Ocean during World War II, primarily September 1940; voyage from Liverpool, England, toward Canada aboard the SS City of Benares and in lifeboats after the torpedoing
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Torpedoed right for my child?
Yes — Torpedoed is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include Survival, Courage and heroism, War and its impact on civilians.
How long does it take to read Torpedoed?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Torpedoed takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Torpedoed have an AR quiz?
Yes — Torpedoed has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Torpedoed?
Torpedoed has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.