KidsBuzz

Leza Lowitz

Dear Librarians,

I was living in Tokyo, Japan when the massive earthquake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011. Like many others, I wanted to help, so I went to the disaster-stricken area to volunteer. The brave children I met inspired me to write this novel in verse about Kai, a multiracial boy who loses nearly everyone and everything he cares about on that fateful day. Everything, that is, except hope.

When Kai is offered a trip to New York to meet kids whose lives were changed by 9/11, he realizes he also has a chance to look for his estranged American father. Visiting Ground Zero on its tenth anniversary, Kai learns that the only way something good can come out of the disaster is to return home to help rebuild his town. I hope UP FROM THE SEA will inspire readers to reach out across oceans to help others.

Email lezayoga@gmail.com to enter to win a copy!

Enjoy,

Leza Lowitz
www.LezaLowitz.com

"How [his rural Japanese community] endure[s] catastrophe and overwhelming losses — what they do and don't do for one another, comforts they miss, kindnesses they value — spring to life. It's the haunting details of those around Kai that readers will remember. —Kirkus Reviews

"Readers who appreciate the power of sports, friendship, and family to heal and to restore will engage with this well-paced emotional journey."  —Booklist

"A thoughtful exploration of the March 2011 tsunami in Japan and its aftermath...The fast-paced writing progresses the plot perfectly to fit with the subject. The narration exudes emotion, and teens will connect with Kai as he faces the usual trials of growing up while living through such a difficult time. Fans of Ellen Hopkins's work will enjoy the immediacy of this novel-in-verse. VERDICT A well-written first purchase for teen collections." —School Library Journal 

"UP FROM THE SEA touched me deeply with its beautiful message of hope and the resilience of humanity. Bravo."  —Ellen Oh, author of The Prophecy series

"This moving story about a young adult trying to stay optimistic in times of tragedy appeals to all age groups, and is great for anyone who follows global issues. I recommend it to fans of I Am Malala or the more recent Never Said." —Emma (Age 14), Teen Advisory Board Member, BookPeople of Idaho