Section 1: pages 3-24 Summary

The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck is a short novel for children about two young boys who live in Japan. When the big wave comes and takes Jiya's family, Jiya is raised by Kino's parents, but he must make a life decision when people begin rebuilding the fishing village on the deserted beach. The Big Wave is a heartwarming story that exemplifies the theme that life is stronger than death.

Kino lives on a farm on the side of a mountain in Japan. The fields are layered up the mountain like steps with stone walls encircling them, and the house is situated at the top of the mountain. Though the walk seems hard sometimes, Kino is glad he lives so high and can look down on the sea at the foot of the mountain. At the base of...