Magic Treehouse Tonight on the Titanic

Module 13 - April 19-25

Magic Treehouse Series - Tonight on the Titanic by Mary Pope Osborn

Summary:
This story continues the journeys of Jack and Annie as they use their magic treehouse to travel within various books and storylines. Jack and Annie journey to the Titanic in search of a clue that will help their newest friend, a dog named Teddy. They must find 'A gift from a ship lost at sea'. Their adventure leads them to the great Titanic on the fateful night that it hits an iceburg. While searching for their clue, Jack and Annie fearlessly do their best to help the passengers of this sinking ship.

Thoughts of a Book Worm:
I enjoy the Magic Tree House series for young children (1st through 3rd graders). Jack and Annie are characters that are easy for young readers to follow and become friends with. Boys and girls alike will enjoy the journey's through famous books and storylines. This particular book presents some basic details of the Titanic in an easy to read adventure.

Reviews:
"The entry in "The Magic Tree House" series of early adventure books takes Jack and Annie and their dog, Teddy, to the deck of the sinking ship, Titanic. While they can't change history or take anyone they meet back with them, they are able to help a brother and sister find their way to the lifeboats before the ship is lost. Mary Pope Osborne provides nicely paced excitement for young readers, and there's just enough information mixed in so that children will take away some historical fact along with a sense of accomplishment at having completed a chapter book." - Children's Literature

Suggested Activities:
This book would be a great lead in to additional research on the Titanic. Students can be grouped into groups to research and report on various different aspects of the Titanic. Students can research the time period, the actual ship and how it was built, life and activities on the ship, various classes of people who were on the ship, and the events of the night of the crash into the iceburg.

Bibliography: Osborne, M. P. (1999). Magic treehouse tonight on the titanic. New York: Scholastic Inc.