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Summary
Summary
It's another normal day in Alaska, where the beauty of the rugged landscape makes the hardships of winter worth enduring. This Northern life is good, you think, when suddenly--without warning--your world is ROCKED! The ground sways beneath your feet with sickening force. You've just been caught in the second strongest earthquake in history!
Witness to Disaster: Earthquakes uses eyewitness accounts and pulse-racing narrative to bring readers into the terrifying heart of an earthquake. The first chapter documents the 1964 Alaskan quake that shook Prince William Sound with a 9.2 magnitude force, and set off a tsunami that ultimately caused most of the deaths attributed to this frightening act of nature. The following chapters explore the deadly history of earthquakes and the seismic and geological science of this phenomenon. Readers learn how and why earthquakes occur, and what scientists can do to prevent casualties. The expansive back matter includes a list of sources to discover more about these fearsome catastrophes.
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Author Notes
Judith and Dennis Fradin have published over 150 books for children. They have won many awards, most recently a Jefferson Cup Honor for their book 5,000 Miles to Freedom (National Geographic, 2006). Their most recent National Geographic titles were Hurricanes and Volcanoes in the Witness to Disaster series. They live in Chicago, IL.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Similar to the Fradins' Hurricanes (National Geographic, 2007), this readable and attractive title gives an excellent historical perspective on its topic. Following an introduction that covers the 1964 Alaskan quake, the authors describe the causes of earthquakes, including passages on seismology and plate tectonics, along with the five most deadly aspects of the disasters-building collapse, fire, landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis. A section on notable historic quakes includes those in 1755 Lisbon; 1811 New Madrid, MO; 1906 San Francisco; 1923 Japan; 1970 Peru; and 1976 China. Subsequent information includes scientists' efforts at prediction and measures to minimize damage and casualties. Throughout, the text features quotes from quake survivors, dramatic color photos, and diagrams to help illustrate topics covered. The combination of good writing and excellent graphics paired with the archival and personal perspectives on earthquakes makes this book a valuable addition.-Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This book presents an overview of earthquakes, plate tectonic theory, and the science of earthquake prediction. First-person accounts from those who experienced earthquakes and also from the scientists who study them add immediacy. Impressively dramatic photographs, both contemporary and archival, show the devastation that earthquakes can cause. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
From the Witness to Disaster series, this engaging book opens with a description of the most powerful North American earthquake ever recorded, enlivened by personal accounts from Alaskans who experienced the 1964 quake. This dramatic introduction leads into clearly written explanations of plate tectonics and other aspects of seismology. Excellent captioned photos and spacious page design enhance the book's visual appeal. Fine back matter puts the final polish on this well-researched, succinctly written volume.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2008 Booklist
