Stunning YA historical fiction
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
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