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A Storm Too Soon (Young Readers Edition): A Remarkable True Survival Story in 80-Foot Seas (True Rescue Series) Hardcover – May 24, 2016

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 371 ratings



When a forty-seven-foot sailboat disappears in the Gulf Stream in the throes of a disastrous storm, it leaves behind three weary passengers struggling to stay alive. This middle-grade adaptation of an adult nonfiction book tells the story of the four intrepid Coast Guardsmen who braved this ruthless storm in the hopes of saving them. A spellbinding tale of courage and survival from the author of
The Finest Hours, now a major motion picture.
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—This true tale of survival and rescue at sea centers on three men who headed out to sail across the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to France only to cross paths with Tropical Storm Andrea. Waves quickly built to 80 feet high, and their 47-foot sailboat sank, leaving them adrift on a life raft with no means of communication. Despite the impossible circumstances, the Coast Guard completed an amazing rescue at sea. The dramatic narrative is engaging and won't disappoint students who enjoy adventure or rescue stories, though this is best suited for those with an interest in sailing. An epilogue details how some of the survivors struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and needed counseling, a valuable addition that underlines the severity of the experience. VERDICT An acceptable narrative nonfiction title for fans of the true-survival story genre.—Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN

Review

An NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Cybil's Children and Young Adult Literary Award Finalist
A Texas Topaz List Selection


“Tougias' third-person narrative, condensed and more tightly focused than the adult version, brings to life the struggles and heroism of the sailors and rescuers alike, highlighting life lessons learned. . . A sure-fire hit with young readers who are always ready for a good disaster tale.”-
Kirkus Reviews

"The dramatic narrative is engaging and won’t disappoint students who enjoy adventure or rescue stories"-
School Library Journal

"This true story . . . reads like a thriller, with one thing after another going wrong and each challenge
seemingly impossible to overcome. The courage displayed by the team may inspire readers to learn more about their exciting (if life-threatening) careers."-
Booklist

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (May 24, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1627792813
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1627792813
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 14 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1090L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.34 x 0.97 x 9.23 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 371 ratings

About the author

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Michael J. Tougias
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I've written and co-written 30 books for adults and have been fortunate enough to land on the NY Times Bestseller list and had a Disney movie made on The Finest Hours. I've also written several books for children age 8-13, some of which are part of my "True Rescue Series" with MacMillan Publishing, and others part of "True Survival Series" with Little Brown. You can learn more about me and see videos related to my books and my presentations at www.michaeltougias.com.

Some of my previously out of print books are back on Amazon but they can be tricky to find. So after the name of the book write Michael Tougias Communications in the search for Blizzard of 78, River Days-CT River, Nature Walks in Central MA, Until I Have No Country: A Novel of King Philip's War, New England Wild Places

My latest books are:

1) Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds

2) No Will Set You Free: Learn to Say No, Set Boundaries, Stop People Pleasing

3) The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures, and the Healing Power of Nature. A coming of age story, a father/son relationship, my Dad's courage in the face of years of adversity, and finally a celebration of nature at my remote cabin in Vermont. While the book has it's serious side it also has laugh out loud humor like A Walk In The Woods.

4) Claws (This is a kids book age 9-14. Think "Jaws" only this time its a 7 foot lobster! See the spot on review by Midwest Book Review when you search for the book here on Amazon.

5) Abandon Ship: The True WWII Story About the Sinking of the Laconia

I write on a variety of topics which could roughly be grouped as follows:

TRUE SURVIVAL & RESCUE STORIES: my books include "Overboard!", "Ten Hours Until Dawn", "The Finest Hours" (now a Disney movie), "A Storm Too Soon", "Rescue of the Bounty", "Fatal Forecast", and "So Close to Home"

HISTORY: "King Philip's War" (co-author), "Quabbin", "The Blizzard of 78", "Above & Beyond: JFK and America's Most Dangerous Spy Mission"

HUMOR AND THE OUTDOORS: "There's a Porcupine in My Outhouse: The Vermont Misadventures of a Mountainman Wannabe"

MEMOIR & OUDOOR ADVENTURE: "The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures, and the Healing Power of Nature.

YOUNG ADULT/MIDDLE READER: "Attacked at Sea", "The Finest Hours", "Into the Blizzard", "A Storm Too Soon", "Claws", "In Harms Way" "Rescue of the Bounty" "Abandon Ship"

I'm not sure what I'll do next. But I'll follow my intuition. And, of course, the topic has to be something I feel passionate about. I give presentations about my books across the country and also give inspirational talks for businesses on decision-making and reaching difficult goals. You can learn more at www.michaeltougias.com Thank you for all your support! Michael Tougias

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
371 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the adventure story in this book. They found it to be an amazing true story that was well-written and informative. The book is a great read for young adults, with an attention to detail and research into the character backgrounds.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

7 customers mention "Adventure story"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the adventure story. They find it gripping, informative, and well-documented. Readers appreciate the courage of the rescue workers involved. The book is described as an engaging historical non-fiction read.

"...Very well-written and a lot of excitement packed into a small book. He loved it, we’d recommend to other pre-teens who like the non-fiction genre." Read more

"Another fantastic, exciting true adventure told by Michael Tougias. He is an amazing author. I have read almost all his books...." Read more

"...I found this book to be very informative, intriguing, and well documented. An unbelievable and amazing true story." Read more

"Great adventure story. I can’t believe the courage of the rescue workers involved. Thank God for people like this...." Read more

6 customers mention "Book content"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's content. They find it suitable for preteens and young adults. The book is well-written and packed with excitement in a compact format.

"...Very well-written and a lot of excitement packed into a small book. He loved it, we’d recommend to other pre-teens who like the non-fiction genre." Read more

"...This version of the book was written more for young adults. It was a quick read and held my attention...." Read more

"Great read for my preteens." Read more

"Great story and extremely well written. I felt like I was there." Read more

3 customers mention "Information quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-documented. They appreciate the author's attention to detail and definition of terms. The story is told well, with an incredible amount of research into the background of all the characters.

"...He does an incredible amount of research into the back ground off all the characters involved...." Read more

"...I found this book to be very informative, intriguing, and well documented. An unbelievable and amazing true story." Read more

"Great story and told well. Bought for my great nephew but also read it myself." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
    This book was on my son’s summer reading list and he loves a good non-fiction book. When he’d put it down (which wasn’t often), I’d pick it up and read a few chapters. Very well-written and a lot of excitement packed into a small book. He loved it, we’d recommend to other pre-teens who like the non-fiction genre.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017
    Another fantastic, exciting true adventure told by Michael Tougias. He is an amazing author. I have read almost all his books. Once you start reading----it's hard to put it down. When reading this story, you feel like your're right there at the scene. He does an incredible amount of research into the back ground off all the characters involved. If you like non fiction and stories about boats and the sea read this book. Captain Tony Smith
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2020
    My grandsons favorite author! Loved his books! He can’t wait for the next one coming in October!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2022
    Interesting story, great author. I especially appreciated the author's attention to detail and definition of terms. I found this book to be very informative, intriguing, and well documented. An unbelievable and amazing true story.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2021
    Great adventure story. I can’t believe the courage of the rescue workers involved. Thank God for people like this. This version of the book was written more for young adults. It was a quick read and held my attention. I can’t believe they haven’t made a movie of it!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2021
    I was hooked from chapter one & on the edge of my seat throughout the entire storm. As a former Coast Guard SAR Coordinator, I know what goes on behind the scenes, but was rarely, if ever filled in on all the details of a rescue—and never participated in a rescue of this magnitude. I’m thankful to all involved for furthing NOAAs restrictions on GPIRBS & for telling their story to prevent future mishaps.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
    My 13 year old nephew and I have enjoyed all the books in this series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2018
    This book was incredible!!!!!!!I could not stop reading it.You always wanted to know what happended next.Istarted losing track of time when I read it.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • A. Rambal
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in Spain on March 3, 2024
    Algo instructivo y muy entretenido. Buen precio.
  • Mr. Peter Kay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2019
    A good read indeed.
    These men endured a lot and are lucky to be alive.
    Great story