Tornadoes

Children's Literature - Keri Collins Lewis

Tornadoes, one of the most unpredictable natural disasters, could occur anywhere on Earth in the right conditions. However, most tornadoes occur in the middle of the United States, unlike most natural disasters, which occur all over the world. These spinning columns of air that form inside thunderclouds and descend to the Earth happen so regularly that there is an area nicknamed Tornado Alley. People in these areas depend on meteorologists to monitor storms and issue warnings when tornadoes are likely or have been spotted. In this highly illustrated science book for upper elementary students, part of the "Natural Disasters" series, author Louise Park gives a basic explanation of how tornadoes form, the difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado, and how waterspouts and dust devils are related to tornadoes. Readers learn how tornadoes are studied, predicted, and even chased. "Disaster Files" are interspersed with each factual spread, graphically illustrating some of the biggest tornadoes in recorded history. Colorful diagrams, graphs, charts, illustrations, and historic photographs keep reader interest high, while a glossary, table of contents, and an index make the book easy to access when used for school reports. Balancing the science behind the disaster and the impact, this series is an engaging and timely addition to libraries. Reviewer: Keri Collins Lewis