Customer Reviews

The Tsunami Quilt (Tales of Young America)

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4 star:		(2)
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This book is the story of the devastating tsunami that hit the island of Hawai'i on April 1, 1946. It includes factual information woven throughout the story of a man whose brother died that long ago day when they were both students at the school where the tsunami hit. But it is much more than just an historical account. This is the story of a boy's love for his grandfather and a man's faithful remembrance of his brother's death in that tsunami. It is, at the same time, both sad and hopeful. This story speaks to children of all ages.
Before reading this book to my seventh grade class, we discussed the science of tsunami. Information in the "Author's Notes" at the end of the book was helpful in understanding the event. After reading the book, the students were visibly moved. They spoke of their relationships with their own grandparents and their feelings of loss when a loved one died.
The illustrations were beautifully colorful and expressive and they complemented the story. This is a beautiful book and a beautiful story.

The Tsunami Quilt is the story of a boy and his family and how they were touched by a horrible tsunami that hit Hawaii in 1946. Like other books by Anthony D. Fredericks, there is a perfect mix of fact and fiction (there are tsunami facts at the end of the story). This allows teachers and librarians a chance to get kids hooked on non-fiction by reading an interesting tale.
However, the book is not just a good teaching tool, but a nice story to read at home. I very much suggest reading this book!

This picture book is a story based on the terrible natural disaster that occurred on April 1, 1946 in Hawaii. The author, Anthony Fredericks, weaves together this tragic event with the loss of a loved one using straight forward and elegant dialoge to create many reverent moments. The grandfather witnessed the tsumani as a young boy and lost his younger brother in it. His nine year old grandson, Kimo, is very close to him and acccompanies him to Laupahoehoe Point every year where his grandfather places a flower lei on a monument. When they visit, there is little talking so the boy doesn't feel it is the right time or place to ask any questions. Before he can discover why this yearly ritual occurs, his grandfather passes away. The boy's curiosity continues, and it is his father who finally reveals the tragedy of that day in April. Mr. Fredericks has written a beautiful story that will help children understand the effects of a great loss suffered after such a natural disaster and the personal loss of a loved one. It also celebrates life and how life continues with special memories kept alive to honor those who die. The "Author's Note at the end of the book was a helpful tool for teaching words and concepts related to a tsunami. The muted colors of the illustrations add to the story's serious theme yet create a sense of calm that reflects the calm before and after the storm.

The Tsunami Quilt combines sensitivity (the relationship between a boy and his grandfather), Hawaiian information and language, and most of all, a vivid picture and understanding of what a tsunami is. Through the author's words, I mentally experienced a tsunami - what it looked liked before, during and after the waves. In addition, the author brought a deeper awareness of the tragedy of 1946, and the special quilt that is in the Pacific Tsunami Museum. I appreciated the Author's Note at the back of the book as well, and I intend to read and treasure this book for many years.

Ordered this book, and downloaded teacher's Guide soon after the tsunami hit Japan in 2011. Provided a caring but realistic unit of work for a special needs class. Book interesting, well written in appropriate vocabulary for my students.

This amazing story is full of fasinating word pictures that transport the readers to Hawaii and feel like they were really there during a tsunami. The loss of Kimo's granfather was heartbreaking, but readers will realize that they can survive the pain of such a loss and keep special memories.

"The Tsunami Quilt" is a touching story for old and young alike. While the tragedy of the 1946 Hawai'i tsunami is described, the story (for me, anyway) is mainly about the love shared between a grandfather and his grandson. This would be a perfect read for anyone who suffers from tragedy of any kind. It is a reminder that while life goes on, honoring the memory of a lost loved one helps us cope and heal.

What a wonderful story to use to teach the concept of a tsunami and how catastrophic events can impact a person. I used this text with fourth grade students in a unit on weather. It lead us to personal relationships and how they can be affected by natural forces. Anthony Fredericks uses his storytelling ability to seamlessly weave science into this heart-wrenching story. The Author's Note provided additional information that sent my students out on the research trail.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tender tale of a young boy and his grandfather's story. My favorite part of the book is when the grandfather tells his grandson how "the ocean is both friend and foe." I believe that the author does a good job on gently touching on the topic of tragic events and death. The "Author's Note" at the end of the book helps in understanding what a tsunami is, as well as a description of the tsunami that took place in this story. I am glad I have this book to add to my collection!