Fall Reading 2013 Kenta and the Big Wave

This story by Ruth Ohi about a tsunami and its effects on people is based on true stories from the 2011 tsunami that hit the east coast of Japan. As cleanup began after the disaster, there were many reports of belongings from residents along the coast being found by people on the other side of the world. In this story, Kenta drops his soccer ball as he is escaping to the school high on the hill above his village. His ball is swept away by the sea and washed up far away, but a kind person mails it back to him. 

The illustrations show everyone evacuating the village and gathering at the school. The text tells of how Kenta's family and all their neighbors sift through the mess that is left behind when the water recedes and they begin to rebuild. The author's note explains that Japanese children have tsunami drills just like kids in the U.S. practice fire drills. The book shows how people cope with disaster and how the kindness of strangers can make a difference.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The author's website has information about her other books.