
Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration with a perceived injustice or when they feel their voice is too small to make a difference in the world. It tells the dual story of the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis and Hunter Scott, a twelve year old boy who launched a massive research project to clear the name of the ship's scapegoated captain. It is an extraordinary example of how curiosity and persistence can right a historical wrong. While the historical sections deal with the realities of war and survival at sea, the core message focuses on integrity and the power of one person's dedication to the truth. It is ideal for middle schoolers ready for a sophisticated look at history, ethics, and civic action.
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Sign in to write a reviewLarge-scale loss of life during the sinking and the days following.
Explores the Navy's decision to blame the captain to cover their own mistakes.
The unfair treatment of Captain McVay and his eventual suicide are discussed.
The book deals directly with death at sea, including shark attacks and exposure. The approach is journalistic and factual rather than sensationalized. The resolution is profoundly hopeful and restorative, providing a sense of closure for the survivors and the Captain's legacy.
A 12-year-old who loves 'who-done-it' mysteries or military history, but especially one who has a strong moral compass and enjoys seeing kids succeed in 'adult' spaces like government or the media.
Parents should preview the sections describing the days the men spent in the water, as the descriptions of shark attacks and hallucinations may be intense for more sensitive readers. No specific historical context is required as the book explains the events thoroughly. A parent might see their child get obsessed with a specific historical topic or hear them say, 'That is not fair! Why isn't anyone doing anything about this?'
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on Hunter’s journey and the 'adventure' of his investigation. Older readers (13-14) will better grasp the complexities of the Navy's cover-up and the ethical implications of the military justice system.
Unlike other books on the USS Indianapolis which focus solely on the tragedy, this book centers the power of youth activism and the meticulous process of historical research, making it uniquely empowering for students.
The book follows two parallel timelines. The first details the 1945 sinking of the USS Indianapolis, the harrowing days survivors spent in shark-infested waters, and the subsequent court-martial of Captain McVay. The second timeline follows middle-schooler Hunter Scott in the late 1990s as he interviews survivors and gathers evidence to prove McVay was not at fault, eventually leading to a Congressional resolution.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.