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krobison8032's review against another edition
3.0
This is a hard book for me to rate. It was beautifully written and personally evoked a lot of emotion, particularly during the first section when the earthquakes and tsunami were taking place.
I wasn't a huge fan of the parallels and comparisons with 9/11, and some of the choices during the concluding stanzas. If this had been written by a Japanese person of their own experience during the events I may not have felt this way, but toward the end it felt a little trite. When the author didn't personally experience the tremendous loss being depicted, it feels wrong to wrap it up in a pretty bow.
I wasn't a huge fan of the parallels and comparisons with 9/11, and some of the choices during the concluding stanzas. If this had been written by a Japanese person of their own experience during the events I may not have felt this way, but toward the end it felt a little trite. When the author didn't personally experience the tremendous loss being depicted, it feels wrong to wrap it up in a pretty bow.
thepyrreview's review against another edition
3.0
I love novels-in-verse, but this one felt like fragmented sentences, not poetry. The story was okay. It was about a boy who suffers major losses in the 2011 tsunami and goes to NYC to work with former children impacted by the 9/11 attacks. It does a good job showing grief and getting through it, but it lacked the imagery and rhythm that novels-in-verse usually have. Overall, it was an okay quick read.
The Pyr Review
The Pyr Review
achenaille's review
4.0
While about a recent event in history, this novel in verse tells about the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 in Japan. The focus is on a teenage boy who loses his family in the natural disasters and how he copes and tries to rebuild their village. Extremely moving and beautiful depiction of a horrific time.
Grades: 7-12
Grades: 7-12
valerie07's review against another edition
4.0
i rly liked this. i love the town, kai, and just the overall book.<3
katyjean81's review against another edition
3.0
I think it will connect well with middle schoolers who like novels in verse. The most moving part to me was in the author’s afterword as she described how she cane to write this novel, especially the unexpected synchronicity with some real events. The soccer part is a nice touch; the dad resolution seems a little too hard to believe.
mayzinminthu's review against another edition
5.0
A very open and honest telling of a boy who wants to feel like he belongs somewhere again after loosing his home and all that he ever knew. Beautifully written, Lowitz creates an enticing read to shed light on those who have endured so much trauma from natural disasters. A reminder that even when it feels like you have lost everything, you still have something to live for and looks forward to.
rachelvogus's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If you are looking for a book that will move you to tears over the resilience of people, this is for you.
hxiya's review against another edition
5.0
This book moved me so much because of the situation that we’re in. It’s not easy to move forward when you’ve lost the people you cherish most. It’s not easy to stop regretting the days wherein you took everything for granted.
“If you weren’t scared
you wouldn’t be human,
you wouldn’t be brave.”
“If you were fearless,
you wouldn’t
need to overcome it.”
“Bravery means being scared
and going forward anyways, Fia saya.
That’s courage.”
“If you weren’t scared
you wouldn’t be human,
you wouldn’t be brave.”
“If you were fearless,
you wouldn’t
need to overcome it.”
“Bravery means being scared
and going forward anyways, Fia saya.
That’s courage.”
imjustcupcake's review against another edition
5.0
Up From the Sea is about two very difficult topics from the worlds history. The first and the main one being the tsunami that hit Japan after a 9.0 earthquake struck. The second being 9/11 as it pertained to the Americans.
Neither of these two topics is something easy to discuss, but Leza Lowitz does it beautifully.
Up From the Sea is not written in the traditional sense. It is actually written in the form of poetry. If you are new to this idea, you may be a bit hesitant and find yourself wondering if a story could really be told this way. The answer is quite simply and very strongly a yes! The world is drawn very vividly and the characters are easy to relate to. It is very well done.
Up From the Sea follows along our main character, Kai. It starts the day of the tsunami, and ended approx a year or so after that fateful day. You feel his emotions, the emotions of those around him, and and you learn a lot of about what it was like in coastal Japan at that time. You also get to learn a little bit about Japanese culture and some Japanese language - which was a nice touch.
If you are looking for a fantastic read that deals with some real life issues, Up From the Sea will not disappoint you. I will warn you though. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down. You will be finished within a day of starting it!
My Rating
4.5 Stars
This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Find more of my reviews here:
http://readingwithcupcakes.blogspot.com/
Neither of these two topics is something easy to discuss, but Leza Lowitz does it beautifully.
Up From the Sea is not written in the traditional sense. It is actually written in the form of poetry. If you are new to this idea, you may be a bit hesitant and find yourself wondering if a story could really be told this way. The answer is quite simply and very strongly a yes! The world is drawn very vividly and the characters are easy to relate to. It is very well done.
Up From the Sea follows along our main character, Kai. It starts the day of the tsunami, and ended approx a year or so after that fateful day. You feel his emotions, the emotions of those around him, and and you learn a lot of about what it was like in coastal Japan at that time. You also get to learn a little bit about Japanese culture and some Japanese language - which was a nice touch.
If you are looking for a fantastic read that deals with some real life issues, Up From the Sea will not disappoint you. I will warn you though. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down. You will be finished within a day of starting it!
My Rating
4.5 Stars
This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Find more of my reviews here:
http://readingwithcupcakes.blogspot.com/
martha_schwalbe's review against another edition
5.0
The appeal of this book is the one-person experience of the months following the tsunami in Japan in 2011. Lowitz brings personal and reported stories together in Kai. It's this collective that makes the book so gut-wrenching and optimistic at the same time. It's an easy read, written in verse.
I'd recommend this book to students who like real life stories.
I'd recommend this book to students who like real life stories.