Rock-solid history and science, high-octane action, and vivid descriptions—the book will inspire as much as it entertains.
A chronicle of the history and science behind the Mount St. Helens eruption.
In March 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington state became active. Intermittent earthquakes and ash plumes baffled scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey and frustrated journalists as they sought concrete predictions on what would happen and when. Barone explores how scientists were torn between giving people warning to prepare and inadvertently causing a panic. Once the eruption hits, the prose—which maintains unimpeachable credibility through clear, precise explanations—takes a turn for the cinematic as those dangerously close to the volcano fight for survival. Readers will make frequent use of the frontmatter; maps are helpful in charting the journeys of loggers and campers, and the list of “characters” will allow readers to keep track of the survivors and the legion of scientists trying to unlock the volcano’s mysteries. Barone’s interviews with key figures make for intense accounts of heart-pounding moments. In explaining what went wrong, the author makes clear that the earthquake was nobody’s fault and calls out politicians who falsely claimed that victims of the disaster had chosen to ignore warnings and stayed on the mountain. She ends on a note of hope by discussing what was learned from the eruption both scientifically (how to better monitor for future disasters) and socially (the importance of being able to communicate scientific explanations to laypeople).
Rock-solid history and science, high-octane action, and vivid descriptions—the book will inspire as much as it entertains. (websites and QR codes for photos, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-adult)Pub Date: May 14, 2024
ISBN: 9781250881656
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
A good introduction to observation, data, and trying again.
Cece loves asking “why” and “what if.”
Her parents encourage her, as does her science teacher, Ms. Curie (a wink to adult readers). When Cece and her best friend, Isaac, pair up for a science project, they choose zoology, brainstorming questions they might research. They decide to investigate whether dogs eat vegetables, using Cece’s schnauzer, Einstein, and the next day they head to Cece’s lab (inside her treehouse). Wearing white lab coats, the two observe their subject and then offer him different kinds of vegetables, alone and with toppings. Cece is discouraged when Einstein won’t eat them. She complains to her parents, “Maybe I’m not a real scientist after all….Our project was boring.” Just then, Einstein sniffs Cece’s dessert, leading her to try a new way to get Einstein to eat vegetables. Cece learns that “real scientists have fun finding answers too.” Harrison’s clean, bright illustrations add expression and personality to the story. Science report inserts are reminiscent of The Magic Schoolbus books, with less detail. Biracial Cece is a brown, freckled girl with curly hair; her father is white, and her mother has brown skin and long, black hair; Isaac and Ms. Curie both have pale skin and dark hair. While the book doesn’t pack a particularly strong emotional or educational punch, this endearing protagonist earns a place on the children’s STEM shelf.
A good introduction to observation, data, and trying again. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: June 19, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-249960-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2018
Erupt into applause for this picture book of the first magma-tude.
A deceptively simple, visually appealing, comprehensive explanation of volcanoes.
Gibbons packs an impressive number of facts into this browsable nonfiction picture book. The text begins with the awe of a volcanic eruption: “The ground begins to rumble…ash, hot lava and rock, and gases shoot up into the air.” Diagrams of the Earth’s structural layers—inner and outer core, mantle, and crust—undergird a discussion about why volcanoes occur. Simple maps of the Earth’s seven major tectonic plates show where volcanoes are likeliest to develop. Other spreads with bright, clearly labeled illustrations cover intriguing subtopics: four types of volcanoes and how they erupt; underwater volcanoes; well-known volcanoes and historic volcanic eruptions around the world; how to be safe in the vicinity of a volcano; and the work of scientists studying volcanoes and helping to predict eruptions. A page of eight facts about volcanoes wraps things up. The straightforward, concise prose will be easy for young readers to follow. As always, Gibbons manages to present a great deal of information in a compact form.
Erupt into applause for this picture book of the first magma-tude. (Nonfiction picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: Jan. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-8234-4569-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2021
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
