I love a good submarine story and "Up Periscope" by Robb White is one of my favorites. Underwater Demolitions Specialist Lieutenant Ken Braden (Junior Grade) is given a top secret mission to find a Japanese code on a Pacific island during World War Two. Unfortunately for Lt. Braden, the commander of the submarine that is transporting him to the Japanese-held island refuses to perform the necessary maneuvers that will enable Braden to complete his mission successfully.
Up Periscope gives a good description of life aboard a World War Two US Navy attack submarine. All of the characters are well-drawn with real human strengths and weaknesses. The petulant, and uncompromising commander of the submarine is especially convincing. There is also plenty of underwater action and suspense. Up Periscope is suitable for older kids and adults. The following is a passage from Up Periscope: "Ken watched the red second hand on the bulkhead clock moving along with a steady , irritating nervousness. When it reached twelve the minute hand jumped forward. It was now ten minutes past one o'clock in the morning. Suddenly, with no warning, no preparation, there was a loud, hard, metallic CLICK. Ken looked at the others in the conning tower. Every face changed, grew suddenly older, more serious. He couldn't help saying it, although his lips were stiff. "What's that?"
Pat Malone just looked at him with somber eyes. Then it came.
WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM."
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