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Attacked at Sea (Young Readers Edition): A True World War II Story of a Family's Fight for Survival

by Michael J Tougias

Part of the True Rescue series

Subject
History - United States - 20th Century
Age
9-12 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
224
Publisher
Henry Holt & Company
Size
15.0 cm × 23.1 cm
ISBN
9781250128065

A riveting adaptation for young readers of So Close to Home: A True Story of an American Family's Fight for Survival During World War II from Michael J. Tougias, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Finest Hours.

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year!

On May 19, 1942, during WWII, a U-boat in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey fifty miles from New Orleans. The submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia. Most onboard were merchant seamen, but there were also civilians, including the Downs family: Ray and Ina, and their two children. Fast asleep in their berths, the Downs family had no idea that two torpedoes were heading their way. When the ship exploded, chaos ensued—and each family member had to find their own path to survival.

This inspiring historical narrative tells the story of the Downs family as they struggle against sharks, hypothermia, blinding oil, drowning, and dehydration in their effort to survive the aftermath of this deadly attack off the American coast.

New York Times bestselling author Michael J. Tougias adapts his histories of real life stories for young readers in his True Rescue Series, capturing the heroism and humanity of people on life-saving missions during maritime disasters.

More Thrilling True Rescue Books:
The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition)
A Storm Too Soon (Young Readers Edition)
Into the Blizzard (Young Readers Edition)
In Harm's Way (Young Readers Edition)
Rescue on the Bounty (Young Readers Edition)

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

A Junior Library Guild Selection
"This exciting, highly readable story of survival deserves a place on most library shelves. Perfect for young history buffs and older fans of the “I Survived” series."
School Library Journal
"Quotes from letters and diaries evoke the historical era. A well-researched account of one American family during a little-known episode of World War II."
Kirkus Reviews
"After hours of dehydration, hypothermia, and shark threats, the survivors were sighted by plane and rescued by smaller craft . . . in this true survival story that judiciously carries forward beyond the relief of the rescue. The peril facing two children lost at sea is convincingly conveyed, and the lasting effect on their family life is equally sobering."--The Bulletin
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.