Up from the Sea

Why is it important that Kai enjoys oysters on pages 200-201?

• His grandmother worked at an oyster farm.

• Kai only likes oysters that are deep-fried, a nod to his American heritage.

• It shows he is capable of "forgiving" the ocean.

• He is eating them in celebration of his birthday.

What is important about the lone, single pine tree left in Kai's town?

• It almost fell in the tsunami.

• It is the pine tree that Kai climbed to survive the tsunami.

• Ryu was unable to climb that tree, and he died.

• Kai's ancestors helped plant those pine trees.

What can we infer about how relief efforts have changed?

• People in Kai's town are grateful to be getting things that they need.

• Celebrities are now bringing silly donations to Kai's town.

• The soccer game has distracted relief workers.

• Now that time has passed, people are no longer donating to Kai's town.

What is interesting about the part of the story where a lady in Hawaii finds Kai's soccer ball?

• There is no way that this could have happened in real life.

• This was inspired by actual events, when someone in Alaska found a soccer ball.

• How would someone in Hawaii know how to read Japanese characters?

• It wasn't actually Kai's ball, but he didn't want to tell people the truth.

What can we infer about the townpeople's feelings about the kids playing soccer?

• They agree with Taro, that now is not the time to be playing.

• They wish that they had time to help, but are too busy with their own projects.

• They donate hidden stores of money to build a new field and buy new supplies.

• They help in the efforts to create a new field, and are supportive of the kids.

Who scores the winning goal in the soccer match?

• Kai

• Guts

• Taro

• Shin

Translate the following: Arigatou gozaimasu

• It cannot be helped

• To God goes the glory

• Thank you very much

• Up from the aea

Why does Kai's father just now come to see him?

• He has been in rehab for alcoholism.

• His new wife didn't agree to his going to Japan.

• He had tried before to find Kai, unsuccessfully.

• He promised Kai's grandparents never to return.

At graduation, Kai and his fellow students each receive...

• full scholarships to college.

• brand new soccer balls.

• brand new cell phones.

• muddy and torn diplomas.

Together, Kai and his dad go to...

• New York.

• the shrine in the woods.

• the pine tree.

• the soccer field late at night.