Beyond Me
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Table of Contents
About The Book
March 11, 2011
An earthquake shakes Japan to its core.
A tsunami crashes into Japan’s coast.
Everything changes.
In the aftermath of the natural disasters that have struck her country, eleven-year-old Maya is luckier than many. Her family didn’t lose their home, their lives, or each other. But Maya still can’t help feeling paralyzed with terror, and each aftershock that ripples out in the days that follow makes her fear all over again that her luck could change in an instant.
As word of the devastation elsewhere grows increasingly grim—tens of thousands have perished—it all seems so huge, so irreparable. Already flinching at every rumble from the earth, Maya’s overcome with a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. How can her country ever recover, and how could anything she does possibly make a difference?
Before Maya can extend a hand to others, she must dig deep to find the hidden well of strength in herself in this sweeping, searing novel that shows even small acts can add something greater and help people and communities heal.
Excerpt
not much time
between good morning and good-bye
out the door
early
Father goes one way
to catch a train east to Shinjuku
then later
I go another way
to walk to school
when all’s clear
Mother goes to the table
to work at her laptop
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (June 30, 2020)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481437899
- Ages: 8 - 12
- Lexile ® NP The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
Raves and Reviews
*"An essential read, especially for anxious tweens in these uncertain times, with a message of hope and community."
– Booklist, starred review
"An affecting account of Japan’s catastrophic earthquake and the days that surrounded it.... Moving."
– Kirkus Reviews
"A compassionate window into how adults and children cope with calamity."
– Publishers Weekly, May 18, 2020
"Maya’s story is realistic and relatable for young readers experiencing anxiety from world events."
– School Library Journal - Online, June 6, 2020
"Beyond Me showcases the best of humanity under the worst of circumstances"
– BookPage, July 1, 2020
"A story of family and community, of human resilience and hope in the face of despair....Highly Recommended "
– School Library Connection, October 2020
Awards and Honors
- Freeman Book Award Honor
- New York Public Library 100 Best Books for Teens
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Beyond Me Hardcover 9781481437899
- Author Photo (jpg): Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit