Teaching Children's Literature
“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” ~C.S. Lewis
Tsunami!
Tsunami! Written by Kimiko Kajikawa, Illustrated by Ed Young. Published by Philomel, c. 2009.
Reading Level: 620L
Synopsis: This historical fiction story is based off of a true story about a Japanese man named Hamaguchi Goryou who saved people from his villiage during a tsunami and earthquake. This story has Ojiisan, an old and wise man, act courageously to warn all the villagers to move to higher ground to save themselves from the great waves and following disaster.
Rationale for classroom use: This historical fiction picture book would be a good read aloud for grades K-3 to help students understand Tsunami’s.
Common Core Connection: Reading Informational texts to learn more about a subject matter and using visuals to assist with comprehension.
