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

A riveting WWII account of survival at sea—Book 4 in the middle grade True Rescue series from Michael J. Tougias, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Finest Hours. 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. Christy Ottaviano Books 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. Illustrated Chapter Books for ages 6-9: True Rescue: The Finest Hours True Rescue: A Storm Too Soon Young Readers Adaptations, for ages 9-14 The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition) A Storm Too Soon (Young Readers Edition) Into the Blizzard (Young Readers Edition) Attacked at Sea (Young Readers Edition)

A riveting WWII account of survival at sea—Book 4 in the middle grade True Rescue series 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.

Christy Ottaviano Books

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.

Illustrated Chapter Books for ages 6-9:
True Rescue: The Finest Hours
True Rescue: A Storm Too Soon

Young Readers Adaptations, for ages 9-14
The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition)
A Storm Too Soon (Young Readers Edition)
Into the Blizzard (Young Readers Edition)
Attacked at Sea (Young Readers Edition)

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) On May 19, 1942 a U-boat in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey fifty miles away fromNew Orleans. Captained by 29-year-old Iron Cross and King's Cross recipientErich Wurdemann, the submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia with fifty-nine souls onboard. Most of the crew were merchant seamen, but there were also ahandful of civilians, including the Downs family, consisting of the parents,Ray Sr. and Ina, along with their two children, eight-year-old Ray Jr.,nick-named Sonny, and eleven-year-old Lucille.Fast asleep in their berths,the Downs family had no notice that two torpedoes were heading their way. Whenthe ship exploded, Ina and Lucille became separated from Ray Sr. and Sonny.