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Review: Shipwreck


Shipwreck
Written by Deirdre Laide
Illustrated by Carlos Vélez
Ann Arbor, MI: Tilbury House Publishers, 2025. Informational.

The lyrical text of this informational picture book introduces some of history's most famous shipwrecks and discoveries, from the 16th to the 21st centuries. The wrecks covered range from pirate ships to passenger boats, with the discoveries remaining on the ocean floor or residing in museums. Each subject is given an additional information section asking readers to consider questions like "Will you brave the wreckage?" or "Will you find hidden histories?". The corresponding answer contains further context on the ship's sinking or its discovery and recovery. 

The vast array of undiscovered shipwrecks--more than 3 million!--is underscored throughout the book, and an introduction to the profession of marine archeology is included at the end. Vibrant, carefully detailed spreads provide a visual feast of ocean life, tempestuous gales, and treasure hoards to support and enhance the free verse. This book will fascinate future ocean explorers and treasure hunters alike.

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