Unsinkable

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Gordon Korman is the Canadian author of over 100 action/adventure books for young readers that stretch across historical and modern-day settings. In addition to the Titanic series, Korman’s historical titles include War Stories, which is set during World War II and inspired by his grandfather’s experiences. Korman has also written a host of titles set in the modern day, ranging from the heist adventures of the Swindle series (which includes Swindle and Zoobreak) to tales of children dealing with school and social struggles (including The Unteachables and Slacker) to books exploring the importance of cultural awareness and social justice (such as Linked). Korman also writes science fiction and fantasy, including The Hypnotists, in which children can change their eye color to hypnotize people. Korman focuses on themes of teamwork, friendship, and the struggles of being a child in a world made for adults. His books show young readers that they have power and agency, even when it seems like they don’t.

In Unsinkable, Korman’s focus on four protagonists who are distanced from their parents allows him to show children making choices and successfully fending for themselves.