Lily and the Great Quake: A San Francisco Earthquake Survival Story

Lily and the Great Quake is a compelling historical fiction chapter book that plunges readers into the chaos of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Twelve-year-old Lily, the oldest of three Chinese American children, finds herself separated from her parents with her younger brother as the city burns. Their harrowing journey to safety in Oakland is fraught with peril, not only from the natural disaster but also from the anti-Chinese sentiment prevalent at the time. This book offers a vivid, age-appropriate portrayal of a significant historical event through the eyes of a resilient young protagonist. It includes valuable nonfiction backmatter, a glossary, and discussion questions, making it an excellent resource for both home and classroom settings. Ideal for children aged 8-11, it explores themes of survival, family, bravery, and overcoming prejudice.

Just turned twelve, Lily is the oldest of the three children in her Chinese American family living in San Francisco when the 1906 earthquake hits; her family has survived the quake, but as the city starts to burn Lily and her younger brother are separated from the others and must get to the safety of Oakland across the bay and hope that the rest of their family and friends are there waiting for them--but between the fire and the anti-Chinese violence it is not certain that any of them will survive. Includes nonfiction backmatter, a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.