The Big Wave
on Goodreads (4,294)
What’s inside...
The powerful novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, about two friends who must face the pain of losing everything--and how to face their grief with courage. Kino lives on a farm on the side of a mountain in Japan. His friend, Jiya, lives in a fishing village below. Everyone, including Kino and Jiya, has heard of the big wave. No one suspects it will wash over them, until the rushing water sweeps away the whole village--including Jiya's family. As Jiya struggles to overcome his sorrow, with the help of Kino and his father, he comes to understand that it is only in the presence of danger that one learns to be brave, and that even in the face of terrible tragedy, life and love are stronger than death.
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kino
Jiya
Father Of Kino
Mother Of Kino
The Old Gentleman
Discussion points
How did the big wave change the lives of the characters in the story?
What emotions did you feel when you read about the wave? Why do you think you felt that way?
What do you think the villagers learned from the experience with the big wave?
If you were a character in the book, how would you have reacted to the big wave?
How can we help people who have been through similar situations like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, validating their emotions and offering comfort if needed.
Link the story's events to real-life situations or news to help your child make connections between the book and the world.
Discuss the resilience and community spirit shown by the characters, highlighting the importance of helping and supporting each other.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creative thinking and empathy.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss natural disasters, safety measures, and preparedness in a calm and informative way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Big Wave', the characters face a devastating natural disaster that destroys their homes and way of life. Despite this, they work together to rebuild and find hope.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and persevere through challenging times, whether it's recovering from a personal setback or working through difficult emotions.
Example Lesson: Importance of community support
Explanation: The villagers band together to aid each other in recovery efforts after the tsunami. The collective effort highlights the strength and comfort of communal ties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of helping neighbors and contributing to their community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Appreciating and respecting nature
Explanation: The story's setting near the sea is crucial, and the tsunami serves as a reminder of nature's powerful forces. The characters learn to respect and adapt to their environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the environment and the importance of respecting natural forces, promoting environmentally conscious behaviors from a young age.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and grief
Explanation: Characters in 'The Big Wave' deal with loss of family, friends, and homes. The story touches on the process of grieving and eventually finding acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that grief is a natural response to loss and that it's okay to feel sad or upset, teaching them healthy ways to express and cope with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: As the village rebuilds, characters must face the uncertainty of future calamities while choosing to continue living by the sea. Their courage in facing the unknown is prominently displayed.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new challenges or changes in life with bravery and a positive outlook, knowing that they can handle adversity.