I enjoyed this book, an excellent choice for historical fiction. Mrs. Hyland writes about a true incident that occurred in 1919.A ship runs aground in a terrible storm , and it looks like the passengers will not make it to safety. The heart of the book is the story of the Newfoundland dog Skipper, whose valiant efforts to help the Ethie make this great reading. I can't wait to read Mrs. Hyland's next book. ...

I read many of the books my children select so that we can discuss them. Many are disappointing but the Wreck of the Ethie was thoroughly enjoyable. Hilary Hyland has written a story that you can't put down. Her descriptions of the characters, events and Newfoundland dog are so well done that you feel you are on the shore watching the entire rescue take place. My 9 year old daughter read the book in one sitting and talked about it for days after. Ms. Hyland should be commended for her obviously painstaking research into the story. This kind of wholesome story depicting the good in humanity is what our children should be reading.

Hilary Hyland has done an incredible job of researching and then fictionalizing this incredible story of a shipwreck of the coast of Newfoundland in a blizzard during December 1919. Her depication of life on the island, as well as the loving relationship between a girl and her dog, offer readers two good reasons to read this book. Hyland tells the tale of Colleen and her dog, Skipper, while drawing the parallel story of a poor Irish boy, Patrick, who works on the SS Ethie. I think many young boys and girls will be able to put themselves in the place of Colleen and Patrick and live this harrowing adventure to the fullest. Since there is a happy ending for everyone, the story can be read by younger children (seven or eight) without fear of nightmares.