Volcanoes

Children's Literature - Keri Collins Lewis

Volcanic eruptions are some of the most dramatic and impressive natural disasters known to man, and some of the most deadly. As one of Earth's methods for cooling off and releasing pressure that builds up deep inside the core of our planet, volcanoes send molten rock and debris through the Earth's surface. Volcanoes form on the boundaries of the tectonic plates that form the Earth's crust, as the plates either slide over each other or move apart. 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 volcanoes form, their shapes, the magma and lava they produce, and what happens when a volcano erupts. Readers learn how volcanoes are studied and predicted, and how volcanic activity is actually beneficial in some ways. "Disaster Files" are interspersed with each factual spread, vividly illustrating some of the most notable volcanoes in the world. 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