Tsunami: The True Story of an April Fools' Day Disaster

Describes a tsunami which struck Hawaii on April 1st, 1946 and provides additional facts about the causes of tsunamis and the difficulties scientists encounter in developing an early warning system.

Grade 4–7—Focusing on the wave that struck Hawaii in1946, Karwoski presents the event from a variety of viewpoints. The destruction of Hilo harbor leads off, citing accounts of victims from the Japanese neighborhood known as Shinmachi, and is followed by the story of the destruction of a school on Laupahoehoe Point. The author describes the cause of this disaster, a 7.8-scale earthquake in the Aleutians, and discusses other significant historic tsunamis. Sidebars add additional information, distinguish between tsunamis and tidal waves, provide more detail on individuals and the phenomenon, present definitions, and describe the causes of tsunamis. The book presents speculation linking the Atlantis legend with tsunamis, describes underwater sculptures exposed by the 2004 tsunami, and concludes with information on warning systems, such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Very small black-and-white photos enhance the text, touchingly depicting the devastation, for example, with a photo of a floating schoolbook. The bibliography is extensive but there is no index. Overall, this is a solid addition to the material that has appeared since 2004 as it gives a good historical perspective.—Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
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Gr. 5-8. Karwoski, who wrote Miracle: The True Story of the Wreck of the Sea Venture (2004), opens with a description of the tsunami waves that struck the northern coast of the Hawaiian Islands in 1946, destroying a school and sweeping many children and adults out to sea. The book goes on to provide broader information about tsunamis, from scientific understanding of how they occur to ongoing efforts at early warning systems. At the beginning of each chapter is a full-page, bordered illustration with the distinctive look of a woodcut or linocut print. Though the colors that make the cover art so effective are restricted inside to black, white, and blue, the readers will still appreciate the prints as well as the many helpful diagrams, maps, and photos. Annotated bibliographies, Web sites, and videos are appended. Clearly written and informative. Carolyn Phelan
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