Photographs by Tom Uhlman. 76 p. (Scientists in the Field series) Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, June, 2013. 9780547503509. (Borrowed from the public library, but purchasing for my school library)
Elizabeth Rusch (Mighty Mars Rover) comes back to Earth to follow Andy Lockhart and his team of scientists who comprise VDAP, Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, the first and only international volcano crisis team. What with 1500 active volcanos spread all over the planet, threatening 20% of the world's population and more than 50 erupting each year, Andy's team is spread a little thin. They try their best to figure out whether the volcano in question will erupt; when will it erupt; how will it erupt; how big the eruption will be and who's in danger from the eruption. Is there a need to evacuate? If so, how far away?
Each page contains at least one illustration, dramatic full-color photos, maps, satellite images, text boxes and side bars. The text is fairly sophisticated and detailed. This will require close reading, not browsing but students will be rewarded with an in-depth look at scientists at work on the edge.
My love for this series is no secret. Each one just gets better. This one is no exception. If anything, it ramps up the edginess. Doesn't that cover just scream blockbuster? These scientists risk losing their lives with each volcano they assess. I liked how the intensity of the work was described without resorting to sensationalism. Photo credits, chapter notes, glossary and suggestions for further reading are included.
This is a must-purchase for me as the sixth graders at my school do a fairly large unit on volcanoes. I'm sure this will be as popular with the students as I know it will be the teacher.
Author website.
Other blog reviews:
The Nonfiction Detectives
Growing with Science
Stem Friday
Non-fiction Monday is hosted this week by Sally's Book Shelf.
another "gotta read" to put on my wish list! Thanks for sharing your review.
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