(3) 4-6 Illustrated by John MacDonald. This disturbing, informative volume chronicles the tsunami that hit Hawaii in 1946 killing 159 people, many of them children. Told in the words of survivors, the book describes the terrifying event then goes on to discuss the scientific and historical aspects of tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster. MacDonald's dramatic illustrations are interspersed with small black-and-white photographs, maps, and diagrams. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Robert Papp. Separated from his family in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Jacob Kaufman befriends a Chinese boy, San. As the two search for Jacob's family, they encounter both prejudice and generosity. Historical details give a strong sense of time and place. The story is readable but overburdened by multiple plot elements, many of which are only superficially explored.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth