This entry in the Disaster Survivors series sandwiches an introduction to the tectonic forces that cause volcanoes and a survey of the most destructive eruptions in the past two centuries between glancing encounters with two survivors of 1997's blast on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Though the color photos that dominate every page aren't always clear depictions of the looks and effects of various modern eruptions d the opening and closing interviews are unsourced e descriptions of volcanic activity will give young readers a clear picture of the forces involved while introducing specialized terms like lava bombs and pyroclastic flow. A page of general safety advice and a set of brief resource lists close this suitable alternative to the steady rain of titles on the topic, such as Jayne Keedle's Volcanoes (2009) or Ellen René's Investigating Volcanic Eruptions (2009).

Each volume relates the events of a specific natural disaster. Two-page sections describe what happened or what caused the event as well as the personal stories of those who lived through it; the journalistic style heightens tension, but the text is limited in details. Tips are provided on what to do during and after each type of disaster. Maps and photographs supplement the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.