Module 13: Most Popular Authors-- Peg Kehret

Kehret, Peg. Escaping the Giant Wave. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2003.

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Kyle and his family experience the worst vacation ever when they arrive on the Oregon coast. Never having flown before, Kyle is excited to spend a holiday far away when his father wins a realtor award. His parents have begun to give him more responsiblity and he is babysitting his younger sister, financial whiz BeeBee, when an earthquake and subsequent tsunami hits. His parents far away on a yacht for an awards ceremony, Kyle is forced to become an unlikely hero when their hotel catches on fire. Kyle, for years tormented by bully Daren, is forced to choose risking his own life to save Daren's from the fire. After finally standing up to Daren and making grown up decisions in the aftermath of the tsunami, Kyle experiences true growth, both as a character and as a man.

Impressions:

Peg Kehret's book reads like a true adventure. Fast paced, interesting and suspenseful. Interesting facts about earthquakes, tsunamis, and survival are interspersed and appendixed at the end of the story. Daren's flawed character is somewhat understood as the story unfolds, and while you may not feel sympathy for him, readers may begin to understand bullying a little better. This book would make a good study for readers learning about earthquakes, tsunamis, or bullying, and it should draw in even the most reluctant reader. BeeBee's character is fun and quirky, and adds another dimension to the story.

Reviews:
Horn Book Guide: Kyle's first-person narrative effectively sustains suspense in this fast-paced adventure.

School Library Journal: Kyle's self-image is transformed through his experience with the tsunami and the bully. While this is a satisfying read for victims of bullying, it is unremarkable in plot and style. One character does stand out, Kyle's sister, BeeBee, a financial whiz who follows the stock market and names her teddy bear after Bill Gates. A bibliography of books, Web sites, a video, and pamphlets about tsunamis is included.