His father just doesn't understand so 13-year old Jacob steps out of his home in early in the morning and walks into the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Suddenly the earth is moving below his feet, buildings are collapsing and chaos is taking charge. Jacob and the stray dog he loves, and the reason he and his father weren't seeing eye to eye, are alone in the city trying to find their way when the dog sniffs out a young Chinese boy, San, in the rubble. The two boys quickly become friends and go in search of their families and safety.
The story centers on the disaster and all of its facets but smartly includes the racism that San encounters as the two boys make their way and Jacob sees the world through San's experiences. Together they find a tent city and become a part of the world of immigrants and city residents who work together to create a community where everyone can survive.
Jacob's inner journey takes him to a place of realizing that small disagreements shouldn't separate you from those you love.
152 pages 978-1561453108 Ages 8-12
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
Read alikes: I Survived the San Franciso Earthquake 1906; What Was the San Francisco Earthquake; The Earth Dragon Awakes ************ "It is before daybreak on April 18, 1906. Jacob Kaufman slips out of the wooden boarding house where he lives with his immigrant father and little sister Sophie. His father's harsh words still ring in his ears. Suddenly the ground beneath his feet begins to roll, buildings collapse, and Jacob runs to find safety from a devastating earthquake. Fires engulf the city. He returns to find his father and sister. . .but there is nothing left of the building but a pile of debris. Jacob and his dog join the throng of other people searching for shelter, food, fresh water. . .and loved ones who are missing. In award-winning author Gail Langer Karwoski's stirring fictional account of the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, young readers will relive the drama of the actual event, and its devastating aftermath, through the courageous survival of a young boy. An Author's Note at the end carefully separates fact from fiction, giving young readers a glimpse into one of the worst earthquakes in modern history."--from the publisher
