Book Review: The Tsunami Quilt

In 1946, coastlines throughout Hawaii were hit by a tsunami generated by a massive earthquake in Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Less than 5 hours later, waves as tall as 55 feet came onshore in Hilo and other parts of Hawaii, killing 159 people and devastating shoreline areas.

In Laupahoehoe, the focal point of The Tsunami Quilt, schoolchildren ran towards the ocean to pick up fish after one of the waves retreated, unaware that another would follow, and pull them into the ocean.

Focusing on the losses at Laupahoehoe, Anthony Fredericks uses a family's history and tradition to explain the events of 1946 to children. Colorful illustration by Tammy Yee tell the story in pictures.

Monument at Laupahhoehoe
Pacific Tsunami Museum Archives