Written by Leza Lowitz
This is a very quick read. Wonderfully written story about the tsunami in Japan. He lost his mother and grandparents. His dad moved back to New York. He survived the ordeal of the earthquake and tsunami that followed in 2011.
Written in haiku form…sort of…the story is about a teenage boy who survived the earthquake and tsunami that followed in March of 2011. He had a fight with his mother before he left for school. When the quake hit, he texted his mother and she responded. That was the last he heard from her. The tsunami that followed the quake killed his mother who worked at an oyster factory. His grandfather who was seen paddling towards the tsunami. He was not seen again. His grandmother’s body was washed ashore and he had to identify her.
Kai, 17 year old teenager, survived the tsunami. He was able to help others and they helped him. He was given the opportunity to visit the United States and meet some teenagers who lost one of their parents in the 9/11 Twin Tower disaster. He found comfort meeting with them. He did not find his father who had moved to New York. Kai returned to Japan and decided to rebuild his town. His father contacted him…he was in rehab when Kai was in New York.
Great coming of age and growing up time for Kai.
Review by Kristine Johnson, West Lake Junior High Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: 7-12
Up From The Sea
Written by Leza Lowitz
Crown
257 pages
Release Date: January 12, 2016
