{Synopsis} – The disaster felt around the world . . .
Visiting his dad’s hometown in Japan four months after his father’s death would be hard enough for Ben. But one morning the pain turns to fear: first, a massive earthquake rocks the quiet coastal village, nearly toppling his uncle’s house. Then the ocean waters rise and Ben and his family are swept away-and pulled apart-by a terrible tsunami.
Now Ben is alone, stranded in a strange country a million miles from home. Can he fight hard enough to survive one of the most epic disasters of all time?
{My thoughts} – Ben is a sweet boy that is having a difficult time dealing with the loss of his dad. Since his dad had passed away he had more or less been pushing away all his friends and family. When anyone would check up on them he would send them away, because all he’d wanted was to be left alone.
His dad had planned a trip for the family to go and visit Shogahama. Shogahama is where his dad had grown up. Even though his dad had passed away his mom decided to continue on with the trip. She’d felt it would be helpful for both Ben and his younger brother Harry to get away for awhile. She also thought learning more about their dad and where he came from could be beneficial to them.
Ben distances himself from everyone there. He declines invitations to go out and spend time with others. He declines spending time with his younger brother. Then one day the earthquake happens. Ben’s quick thinking helps to save his and his brothers life. Next the tsunami hits. Ben and his family get separated during it. He uses the knowledge of the stories his dad had told him to help keep himself safe.
He finds his way back to shore and safety. Although he goes through a very scary ordeal, for a child his age, he handles things beyond his years.
This was a really fun book to read. It takes you through a course of natural disasters and helps to show you ways in which to handle yourself. I think that any child that has been effected by a situation similar to this, has the potential to relate to it. Even those that haven’t been affected can easily relate to the story within the pages of this book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series soon.
Final Conclusion: 5 Star Rating.
