Gr 5-8

Kyle's excitement at vacationing with his family on the Oregon coast turns to dismay when Daren, the school bully and Kyle's nemesis, turns up in the same hotel. When Kyle is left to baby-sit his little sister Bebe while his parents embark on a dinner cruise, an earthquake and then a tsunami strike, starting a fire in the hotel. Kyle and Bebe must outrun the tsunami and save themselves and Daren from this force of nature. Through this experience, Kyle is finally able to stand up to his tormenter. Peg Kehret's novel (S & S, 2003) is blandly narrated by Terry Bregy who deflates much of the tension and drama of the story. Nevertheless, middle school boys might enjoy the survivor aspects of the tale.-Lisa Hubler, Memorial Junior High School, South Euclid, OH

When 13-year-old Kyle goes to the Oregon shore for a family vacation, little does he realize that disaster awaits. While babysitting his little sister, BeeBee, he must contend with a bullying classmate who is also on the trip, a wild storm, a fire in their ramshackle hotel, and an unexpected tsunami that swamps the coastline. Though Terry Bregy’s tone is pleasant, his voice is not convincing as that of a stressed teenager who is facing multiple calamities. Breghy sounds earnest, grandfatherly, and occasionally sanctimonious—qualities that may be attributed in part to an improbable, clichéd plot. Despite these shortcomings, the listener does want to learn what happens to Kyle and his family. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine