The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck
The Big Wave
by Pearl S. Buck
Pearl S. Buck mostly wrote books for adults, but she also wrote this children’s book, The Big Wave. Published in 1948 (and 1986), it is again timely because the setting is in Japan. Here are my free Power Point and discussion guide Q and A , and my free PDF discussion guide Q and A. 
Just today, another 7.4 magnitude earthquake and possible Tsunami are happening in Japan. In the news, it is on our minds, and this book would be a timely read. Parents who read this aloud or let children read this would help connect today’s events with prior human experiences. On one Amazon review, I read that a parent read this to a child as young as six, and it became a favorite bedtime story. Parents and teachers would have to decide for themselves what ages would be appropriate, but the story deals mostly with the aftermath of the big wave and the hope and healing that followed.
The story is about Kino and Jiya who live in Japan. Kino lives (safely) on a farm on a mountain, and Jiya lives in a fishing village below. The big wave destroys the village and Jiya’s family. Jiya goes to live with Kino’s family. This is a famous story of a Japanese boy who must face life after escaping the tidal wave destruction of his family and village. Jiya comes to experience again how wonderful life can be.
Children need adults to help them find better books than Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Fun books have their own place, perhaps in being the first books children read independently. But adults who read aloud to children can select books with substance, unless the book has to be forced.
Utah Schools have a page with a lesson Power Point that is available to the public at this link: http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/lang_art/sec/integplanLA.htm.
Happy thoughtful reading, Carolyn
