The Big Wave

"The Big Wave" by Pearl S. Buck is about two friends, Kino and Jiya, that live on an island in Japan. Kino lives on the side of a mountain and Jiya lives in a nearby fishing village below the mountain. They are playing one day at Kino's when they see a flag raised above Old Gentleman's Castle. The Old Gentleman is a very rich man who has everything he needs, he even takes in all of the people to his castle to be sheltered from the wave. Kino's father tells them he has seen the flag two times before, both before Kino had been born, and he knows what it means; to be ready. Jiya wants to warn his family but Kino's father tells him it is too late and he must stay to be safe. The big wave eventually comes and kills Jiya's parents. The Old Gentleman wants desperately to adopt Jiya. There, Jiya, would no longer be poor, he would have everything he needs, everything except his best friend. He makes the decision to stay with his poor friend's family because he realizes his friendship is more important than material things.

The book has a tragic plot but in the end the story turns out to be very heartwarming. This is a book I obviously enjoyed alot in school, because as I went to read it I found a library card in the back. I had apparently liked it so much, I decided to not return it. I would definately use this book in a 3-5 class because it is a wonderful story and it can be integrated with science along with natural disasters.