#26 - I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

This is another book in the extremely popular I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis.  This book centers on the tsunami that hit Japan in 2011.  Ben has gone with his mother and brother to visit his uncle in Japan.  While they are there a huge earthquake occurs.  They get out of the house safely, but find a more horrifying sight outside.  They can see a huge wave heading toward land.  That wave hits the shore and takes out everything in its path, including the car that Ben's family was using to try to get as far away from the wave as possible.  All of his family is washed out with the wave and separated.  Once Ben finds land again he is alone with the family's cat.  Will he and the cat find a safe place to stay?  Will he find his family again?  Read the book to find out.

This was a great, quick read that is very fascinating.  The action and adventure kept me reading until the very end.  I see why my students love this series so much!  I would recommend this book for grades 4 and above (maybe even mature 3rd graders).