Iceberg

A drive to uncover the truth propels Hazel to ask questions and pursue her dreams of writing a story about the Titanic and becoming a journalist. She boards the ship knowing that she’ll be part of a historic voyage that will be remembered one way or another, and she hopes that she can be the one to tell the world what it was like to experience it. Hazel isn’t afraid to tell the truth, even if it risks scarring the White Star Line’s reputation: “If the Titanic had any more secrets, I would have to write about them too. People needed to know the truth. I planned to tell it” (43).

Almost immediately, Hazel begins asking questions, spying, and learning as much as she can about the ship and its history. She tells herself, “I would rather be curious than wealthy, for a girl with a mind full of questions is more valuable than a girl with jewels on her empty head” (94). Hazel prioritizes truth and knowledge over wealth and reputation, and she teaches others, like Charlie, this same value. Hazel meets Mrs. Abelman, who sees Hazel’s dream and her courage to achieve it. She gives Hazel a notebook in which to record everything she learns and wants to learn, and she takes Hazel to the library so that she can learn about