One joyful holiday. One sudden earthquake. One city forever changed.

Eight-year-old Lily is enjoying an unforgettable family holiday in Osaka when the ground suddenly begins to shake. As an earthquake strikes and a tsunami threatens the city, Lily is separated from her parents and finds herself frightened and alone.

Then she meets Haru, a Japanese boy who remembers the safety lessons he learned at school, and Momo, his lovable Akita puppy.

High above the flooded streets, strangers become companions. Together they face fear, uncertainty and the long wait for help, discovering that courage does not mean being unafraid. Sometimes courage is remembering what to do. Sometimes it is keeping a promise. And sometimes it is simply helping someone who needs you.

Beautifully illustrated and filled with heart, When the City Trembled is a moving story of family, friendship, preparedness, resilience and hope—reminding young readers that even after the darkest moments, a light can come back on.