The Heroine of the Titanic [Hardcover]

Joan W. Blos (Author), Tennessee Dixon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1991

"Told in exuberant verse, this story of `the unsinkable Molly Brown' is scattered throughout with wit, tall tales and exaggeration, much like the hearty heroine herself....Both appealing and accessible, this collaboration makes Molly Brown's love of life and straightforward nature a cause for celebration."--Publishers Weekly.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Told in exuberant verse, this story of "the unsinkable Molly Brown" is scattered throughout with wit, tall tales and exaggeration, much like the hearty heroine herself. Molly Brown is best remembered for refusing to go down with the Titanic , but Blos ( A Gathering of Days ; Old Henry ) presents this episode as only one part of a full, unusual life--focusing instead on her youth, marriage and later travels. Relying on an abundance of brown hues for a beguiling period tone, Dixon's ( Berchick ) robust watercolors admirably depict Molly's childhood in Missouri, while the artist's attention to detail, particularly fashions, complements Mrs. Brown's ascension to high society. Both appealing and accessible, this collaboration makes Molly Brown's love of life and straightforward nature a cause for celebration. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- Molly Brown has minor legend status, but she was a real person, and one whom kids will have fun discovering. Although certain aspects of her life are known, they're only tantalizing tidbits. Born in the 19th century in rural Missouri, she had a quest for adventure that took her to a Colorado silver mine; through marriage, she became one of the wealthiest women in Denver. Returning from a trip to Europe, she survived the Titanic disaster. Whatever the facts, Molly is an engaging character, and Blos weaves the few known truths into an appealing story. The subtitle admits to the embellishments that she allows herself--embroidery that would surely be understood and encouraged by the flamboyant Mrs. Brown--in the quick rhythmic episodes. The prose is enhanced by a simple ballad, verses of which appear set off in boxes at various turning points in the tale. Together with the brief text, they bounce along against Dixon's vivacious watercolor drawings that add to the verve and clarity of the story. Blos brings a respect for history, a love of detail, and straightforwardly zesty language to yet another work. Younger readers will find this a fine companion to Donnelly's Titanic: Lost and Found (Random, 1987). --Sally T. Margolis, Park Ridge Public Library, IL
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (August 14, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688075460
• ISBN-13: 978-0688075460
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #937,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brown descendant gives it a "thumbs up" for children, May 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Heroine of the Titanic (Hardcover)

As one of the real "unsinkable" Mrs. Brown's great granddaughters, the more I read this book, the more I enjoy the spirit and warmth of it. Molly's life was gradually embellished into legend even in her own lifetime and through her own telling, so it is appropriate that the book takes her dramatic flair to extremes with the Mississippi River story, a yarn Ms. Blos invented. Now that the 1997 movie has renewed the interest in Titanic and endeared her character to a generation of teens, this book is a good version of her great American legacy, in-a-nutshell, for the younger kids. No, it's not all true, but neither is Washington's cherry tree story. The illustrations are fabulous and include many real-life outfits and decor Molly owned, down to the family photographs on her wall.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kids like the rags-to-riches story & beautiful illustrations, April 29, 1998

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Heroine of the Titanic (Hardcover)

Well-received by my Titanic-crazed kids (ages 7 & 9). They enjoyed Molly's spirited story & loved the poems that appear periodically, summing up milestones in the heroine's life. I loved the illustrations & overall quality of the book. Nice gift-giving item.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, April 21, 2006

By 

Jenna - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Heroine of the Titanic: A Tale Both True and Otherwise of the Life of Molly Brown (Library Binding)

This was a great book! I used it as my subject for a book report on a bigoraphy and it gave all of the info. i needed. Wonderful book...lots of specific details and fun facts!!! awesome book for kids AND adults who are interested in the Titanic. VERY nice picures and fun to read!!!!! Two thumbs up!