This is a short but very thoughtful book. Kino lives in Japan and witnesses a tidal wave destroy the village below his family's farm. His friend Jiya is one of the only survivors. As the family takes the orphaned Jiya in, Kino's father tries to help him understand how a person can move through grief and go on living.

This is almost like a small philosophy book rather than a novel like The Good Earth, but I'm glad my students are reading it. ( )

Short, poignant story of two Japanese youths and how a natural disaster affects their lives. Apparently intended for a younger audience but a nice read for adults as well. ( )

This book was about two boys who lived in Japan. One of the boys was a farmer and the other a fisherman. After a tsunami, the fisherman's family is killed and he is taken in by the farmers family.He is also offered to live with the Old Gentlemen but he decides to stay with his friends family on the farm. After the village is rebuilt by the sea the boy then chooses to go and live there once again despite the danger.

A short story by Pearl S. Buck tells the story of Kino and Jiya, best friends. Jiya's family is killed by a typhoon and he is taken into Kino's family where he grows up and learns to deal with grief. Upon manhood, though, Jiya returns to the sea. Some very tender information about grief and coping. Written for children ages 8-12. ( )

This is a story for children, and a very quick read. I found it interesting. It deals with a natural disaster in Japan and how one lives after the loss of your family. Two young boys, close friends, live on the coast of Japan when a "big wave" comes. It gets a little emotional. It struck me as an excellent story for all ages, but especially for showing children about unexpected loss and the aftermath. Seems like a perfect book to read and share with children. ( )