The Earth Dragon Awakes

Yep, Laurence (2006). The Earth Dragon Awakes The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. New York, New York: Harper Collins.
This story is historical fiction. It tells the story of two boys, Henry who is the banker's son living in a mansion in San Francisco and Chin who is the son of the family's houseboy. He is Henry's friend as well. Both boys crave excitement and are looking to find heroes. In the early morning hours a huge earthquake hits San Fransisco and also sets off a series of fires. The story alternates between the view point of both boys. One from Chinatown the other from his home on the west side of San Fransisco. As both families struggle to save themselves and their belongings, the boys come to realize that the everyday people around them are the true heroes. The story ends on a hopeful note with the families rebuilding the city that they love. There are some neat photos at the end of the book that rally bring the story to life.
The fact that this book is told from alternating view points makes it much more interesting. The reader is able to find out much more about both of the boys this way. The setting of the book is what makes the story interesting as well. The reader is able to find out what life was like in San Francisco in 1906. The details about life then are crucial to the understanding of the story.