The Tsunami Quilt: Grandfather's Story

Tales of Young Americans

by Anthony D. Fredericks, Tammy Yee (Illustrator)

April 1, 1946 - an enormous tsunami wave strikes Hilo, Hawai'i, causing death and destruction. Even those islanders who are fortunate to have survived find their lives forever altered. Young Kimo loves his grandfather very much - they go everywhere together, sharing island stories and experiences. But there is one story his grandfather has yet to share and that is the reason behind their yearly pilgrimage to Laupahoehoe Point. Here, in silent remembrance, Grandfather places a flower lei atop a stone monument. It is only after his grandfather's sudden death that Kimo learns the story behind their annual visit and the reason for the sadness that has haunted his grandfather throughout the years. Evocative writing brings this tragic event from Hawaiian history to present-day reality for young readers today.Award-winning children's author Anthony D. Fredericks is a former reading specialist who now teaches at York College in York, Pennsylvania. He has authored more than 35 children's books on a variety of science, nature, and environmental topics. The Tsunami Quilt is his first book for Sleeping Bear Press. Tammy Yee grew up in Honolulu, Hawai'i, exploring tide pools and enjoying the beauty of the natural world, which provided inspiration for her future career in children's books. She lives in Windward, Oahu. Tammy also illustrated A is for A Hawai'i Alphabet for Sleeping Bear Press.

AWARDS 2007 Bank Street College of Education - Best Book of the Year List 2008 Storytelling World Awards Honor winner in the Pre-Adolescent Listeners category

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is two sad stories in one-- about a boy who loses his grandfather and a boy who loses his brother and classmates in a tsunami. I saw a documentary about the tsunami that struck Hawaii in April 1946, so the facts of the event were not new to me. The framework around which the facts were presented-- that of a boy whose beloved grandfather commemorates the tragedy every year-- was apt and well done. I appreciated that the author provided further information about tsunamis at the end of the book. This book could be combined with the picture book Selvakumar Knew Better by Virginia Kroll, about the tragedy in the Indian Ocean in December 2005, in a unit on tsunamis.

[Emily McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: The Tsunami Quilt: Grandfather’s Story is about a young Hawaiian boy who hearing stories of his grandfather’s experiences. It isn’t till after his grandfather dies that he learns of a story that his grandfather would never tell him- the reason behind their yearly pilgrimage to Laupahoehoe Point, where his grandfather would place a lei on a stone monument. While this book is about a young boy named Kimo, through him, the story is told of his Grandfather’s experience of an event in Hawaiian history.

Personal Response: On April 1, 1946 in Hilo, Hawai'i, a tsunami struck that took many lives and caused an enormous amount of destruction. Those who were lucky enough to survive were permanently changed by the wave of violence and destruction. It is important for students to understand the destruction that has been caused by natural disasters. Tsunamis, tornados, and hurricanes are all very real things that occur today, and will continue to occur. For some students, this Hawaiian history may be part of their cultural history. Hawaiian history is something-from my experience- that isn’t explored very often. In fact, I knew nothing of this disaster till after reading this book. It is important to explore various tragedies in history, and explore with children how people who survived this tragedy were able to come back from it after losing their families and their homes.

[Ashley Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: Storytelling World Awards Honor
Audience: 8-11 years
Rating: 5/5
Summary: A young Hawaiian boy is best friends with his grandfather and hears his memories and experiences. It is not till after the grandfather passes away that he learns of the tragic story of Laupahoehoe, where a tsunami occurred and lives were lost.
-The setting takes place in Hawaii, more specifically on the Hamakua coast of the Big Island. The story of Laupahoehoe takes place in Hawaii as well but long before the young boy was born in April 1946.
-The point of view is from a young boy’s perspective and it gives that importance of remembrance and value of family history. This allows the tragic story of the Hawaii tsunami to be reality to the younger readers and they are able to forever hold the importance in their hearts of such a tragedy and remembrance.

[Katelyn Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waves, family, loss

The Tsunami quilt is about a family from Hawaii. A young boy and his grandfather every year visit the exact same place. One day the young boy's grandfather passes before he could tell him what the backstory to the monument was. The young boy's father then goes on to tell him the story about the tsunami that changed his grandfathers life forever.

I think the characteristics that make this a quality historical fiction book is the setting. It is based on the tsunami that happened in Hawaii, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I think that the setting would engage students into wanting to learn more.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simple, brief and to the point.
However, didn't have much character development. Particularly could've dealt better with feelings about grief including the cycle of grief to be much more meaningful.

[Maya]

I personally found this story really scary, but understand that it has a place for children that have experienced violent natural events, such as tsunamis.

CW: Death of children, teacher, family members.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwrenching and heartwarming at the same time.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful family story of remembrance of a tsunami in Hilo, Hawai'i

[Melissa Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally rated G+ by Lois Powers
The author's note at the end provides easy to understand information on what triggers a tsunami and an explanation of how the waves build up. There is also information about the Tsunami Warning System and the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hawaii. There is a pronunciation guide on the dust jacket at the end if the book.
This book would be a good book to add to our collection because of the recent tsunamis.
The creation of the quilt as well as the tradition of putting a lei on the monument demonstrates how to deal with loss and how to remember those we have lost.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though many people don't know about the tsunami that struck Hilo, Hawaii, this is a great way to introduce them to the topic. The story of a child learning about his grandfather's childhood experience is carefully presented, though it doesn't shield readers from grasping the horror of the experience. I was very impressed, and with the right audience of children, I would certainly share this book. Well done. It grappled a tough topic and presented it in a sensitive, caring way.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to screen for my daughter's pre-k class.

The tsunami of April 1, 1946, has largely disappeared from history. I knew nothing about this prior to stumbling across this book. The story was written from a very touching perspective, through the eyes of a survivor.

It would be good to read this to a kid's group; would tell them there are natural hazards out there, and it is best to take precautions when warnings are issued.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book that told the story of a Hawaiian tsunami that killed 24 students and teachers. My only complaint is that the story is told from the perspective of a 9 year old boy and I really just don't think any 9 year old would speak in the voice of this story. Some word choices were just not realistic for most children that age.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story based on true events. A young boy learns to honor and respect the sea from his grandfather. When his grandfather dies, his father shares the story of the 1946 tsunami that hit their Hawaiian village and his grandfather's connection to that day. The author's note makes the connection between the story and the book's title. An interesting, if sad, story to share with kids.

[Anne Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about the tsunami Dad outran on his bike. Well, it describes the tsunami at Laupahoehoe Point, while Dad was in Hilo. Dad and I noticed a couple of inaccuracies, but overall I'd say it's a thoughtful and respectful story. {Smile}

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book - it has a wonderful message and gorgeous illustrations. It's a sad story, but one worth telling. I recommend it for older children (8 and over).

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lesson about the ocean but A bit too real and sad for a 4 yr old.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upon the death of a beloved grandfather, a boy learns the reason behind his grandfather's dedication to a yearly trip to a coastal memorial. Back matter includes information on tsunamis.

[Kennedy Coy]

Summary: The Tsunami Quilt: Grandfather’s Story is about a young Hawaiian boy who hearing stories of his grandfather’s experiences. It isn’t till after his grandfather dies that he learns of a story that his grandfather would never tell him- the reason behind their yearly pilgrimage to Laupahoehoe Point, where his grandfather would place a lei on a stone monument. While this book is about a young boy named Kimo, through him, the story is told of his Grandfather’s experience of an event in Hawaiian history.

Personal Response: On April 1, 1946 in Hilo, Hawai'i, a tsunami struck that took many lives and caused an enormous amount of destruction. Those who were lucky enough to survive were permanently changed by the wave of violence and destruction. It is important for students to understand the destruction that has been caused by natural disasters. Tsunamis, tornados, and hurricanes are all very real things that occur today, and will continue to occur. For some students, this Hawaiian history may be part of their cultural history. Hawaiian history is something-from my experience- that isn’t explored very often. In fact, I knew nothing of this disaster till after reading this book. It is important to explore various tragedies in history, and explore with children how people who survived this tragedy were able to come back from it after losing their families and their homes.