With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones—one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada.

After five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger. They’re wrong.

Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive?

This riveting novel of courage, hope, and compassion is based on copious research of the true events and author interviews with the real Ken Sparks and his fellow survivors. Includes historical photos.

In the end, Lifeboat 12 is about believing in one another, knowing that only by banding together will we have any chance to survive.