Thunder From the Sea
Thunder from the Sea, Joan Hiatt Harlow
Margaret K. McElderry ( May 4, 2004)
Ages 9-12
ISBN 0689864035
Cost $14.95
SYNOPSIS:
Tom Campbell, a 13-year-old orphan, travels to Back o’the Moon Island to live with Enoch and Fiona Murray in 1929. After he rescues a young Newfoundland dog, Thunder, during a storm his life seems nearly perfect until trouble with his neighbors and the impending birth of a new baby threaten to change everything.
GENERAL REVIEW:
This is an exciting adventure story that will appeal especially to dog lovers. Tom and Thunder face danger from an earthquake, a tidal wave, and the jealousy of their neighbors and overcome all in the end. The setting gives the reader a picture of northern life on the sea and the joys of living in this remote region. Tom’s worries about not being able to stay as part of the family are realistic and the happy ending feels good. It’s a great dog book where the dog doesn’t die.
THEMES: Orphans, Dogs, Family Life, Newfoundland and Labrador
AUTHOR INFORMATION: Joan Hiatt Harlow is an internationally known author of children’s books including a 2003-2004 WAW nominee Joshua’s Song. She grew up in New England and her mother was a Newfoundlander. She currently spends the spring and summer in New Hampshire and the fall and winter in Venice, Florida. Her website is www.joanhiattharlow.com
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Standard 3 Benchmark 3
- Why did Enoch and Fiona like living on this remote island? What did it offer that they couldn’t find in town?
- Why would Enoch want to be in partnership with Amos ? Why was it difficult? How would you deal with a partner like Amos?
- What is jannie talk? Why do Mummers use it? What is cheek music? What is it used for?
- Why did the earthquake cause a tidal wave? How might Thunder have sensed it before the people?
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
1. This is a fictional story of a dog who is a hero. Find some examples of real animal heroes and report on the ways dogs can help people. How can a dog’s senses make a difference in detecting an emergency or saving a person? Standard 1 Benchmark 5
2. Look at an atlas of Canada and look for small islands like Back o’the Moon. Where are some real islands? What can you discover about the people that live there? Standard 7 Benchmark 1
3. Research real earthquakes and tsunamis and the current attempts to create early warning systems? Standard 3 Benchmark 3
