Bahrizal of Banda Aceh and the Big Wave: Old Village and New Friends (Luce Young Reader Series)

When a giant wave sweeps away everything Bahrizal knows, he survives by clinging to a palm tree—and holding on to a pair of mismatched flip-flops.In the days that follow, he finds his way to a children’s center called Prince Albert House, where kind houseparents and new friends help him begin again. There, he learns to pray, garden, paint, and slowly rebuild a sense of home.But one question remains: will he ever see his family again?Set in Banda Aceh after the 2004 tsunami, this quiet and powerful story explores loss, resilience, and the small, steady steps that carry us forward.Perfect for readers ages 8–11, this story gently introduces themes of grief, healing, and hope through a global lens. Read more