Fault Lines: Understanding the Power of Earthquakes

Thorough, engaging, and accessible.

A Canadian meteorologist and science reporter based in British Columbia introduces earthquakes: their types, their causes, their effects, and the importance of planning for them.

Gr 4-7--A Canadian meteorologist utilizes her background in earth science and geophysics to present a well-developed explanation of the science of earthquakes. Each chapter is filled with maps, graphs, histories of the earth's most powerful earthquakes, captioned photographs, question-and-answer sections, and sidebars to explain the earth's tectonic plates and their movements, quake epicenters, floods and tsunamis, earthquake prediction, and how people can prepare themselves and their homes for an event. A fabulous feature is that the science content is accompanied by stories from people around the world about experiencing earthquakes. The book's layout and use of colorful, contemporary photographs make this an attractive eye-pleaser and will draw readers into the world of seismology. VERDICT An excellent addition for STEM collections and a usable title in science classrooms.--Patricia Ann Owens, formerly at Illinois Eastern Community College, Mount Carmel

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From our earth's core to quakes on other planets, Johanna brings seismology to life through a delightful combination of science and story. Her tales from the frontlines of fault lines are sure to inspire other young scientists to learn more about the wonderful world around them.— "Jennifer Gardy, Microbiologist and author of It's Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes"