Luck of the Titanic

This is a gorgeous cover first of all! I just needed to say that and get that out of the way. The rest of the book was really well done too. I sped through this to find out what happens with Valora and if she can fulfill her dream of getting into the US, despite the Chinese Exclusion Act, after she finds her twin brother who is working as a coal shoveler on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Now I am sure most people know about the ill fated Titanic but I had my hopes up that there might be a happy ending for this book. It does have a little blurb at the beginning where it says, of the 8 Chinese on board, six survived. I enjoyed reading about Valora's interactions with the various passengers on the Titanic (some of them actual real people) and it was fun to read about her plans to raise money (via acrobatic tricks) and how to get into the US. There is a little bit of romance, fancy dresswear courtesy of the House of July, and bonds of family like Jamie, but also two little boys that she kind of adopts. There is also racism due to the fact that Valora and her brother are part Chinese, true for the time and so a valid part of the story. Yes, there is tragedy, especially at the end and it is so heartbreaking but still a good story. I think it is a worthwhile read.

There are so many good things about this book. From the characters to the atmosphere. From the heartbreaking ending and the explosive beginning. As soon as I started this, I couldn't put it down, and after finishing it, I'm ready to pick it up again. My favorite thing about this is definitely the educational aspect. Now, don't take that the wrong way. This isn't an educational book. It just tackled things I'd never thought about before. I've read other books set on the Titanic, but they've never tackled how minorities were treated on it. Reading about them being denied lifeboats just because of their race was heartbreaking. I feel like it's one of the things about the Titanic's sinking that needs to be talked about, not hidden behind the other horrors of the event. Other than that, I really loved our characters. This featured a full cast: Bo, Wink, Olly, Tao, Jamie, and Valora. Every one of them stole my heart, and although I knew not all of them could make it out, I was hoping they would. Although I did get tired of Valora and Jamie's self-sacrificing act at the end, I felt like it stayed true to the characters and the story. Although it was a minor part of the story, I also loved the dresses April would give Val. They were gorgeously described, and I could picture them perfectly in my mind. It completely fit my idea of the Titanic, and made the atmosphere even more bewitching. As soon as I saw the cover for this, I knew I wanted a copy, so I'm so happy to be holding one in my hands. I already know I'll be passing this around to my friends at school, and forcing them all to read this masterpiece. I'd definitely recommend this! Thanks to Stacey Lee and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Valora Luck is British-Chinese and has lost both her parents. She seeks out her twin brother Jamie who is working on the Titanic. Her plan is for them to seek their fortune in America. Valora and Jamie are talented acrobats. When Valora hears that a part owner of Ringling Brothers Circus is aboard the ship, she schemes for Jamie and herself to audition for him. The characters in this book are incredibly well-developed and the reader quickly becomes invested in them. Valora is so smart, energetic and brave, the reader views her as a friend. Luck of the Titanic highlights the racism and prejudice against Chinese people at the time. The Chinese Exclusion Act did not allow Chinese people to immigrate to the US, unless they had a wealthy sponsor. The story demonstrated how the lives of BIPOC and poor people were seen as less valuable. The plot flowed well and was perfectly paced and kept the pages turning. The story was well-written, and meticulously researched. The ending was heart-breaking and unexpected. Recommended for everyone, not just YA readers. #bookishfirst #penguinteen