DANGER! EARTHQUAKES

Chilling, thrilling, and packed with facts, these Level 2 “See More Readers,” intended for children in grades 1-3, will capture the attention of beginners as well as older, less-able readers hungry for facts about the world. Simon (Destination Space, p. 427, etc.) links awesome photos to lucid explanations rich in detail. Here, he explains why and where earthquakes occur, tells how they are measured, and recounts some of the most spectacular earthquakes of all time. Readers will learn that Alaska has more earthquakes than any other state and that the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City killed more than 10,000 people. Simon provides a handy map of earthquake regions and explains what to do if you are in one. Another entry at this level, Super Storms (1-58717-137-6) describes thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards. In it, he states, “A bolt of lightning is 50,000 degrees. That’s five times hotter than the surface of the sun.” And “In July 1995, a fast-moving group of thunderstorms hit New York State. . . . Over 3,000 lightning bolts struck in one minute.” Each title comes with four collectible trading cards, but they aren’t really necessary since this is very appealing science reading. (Easy reader/nonfiction. 6-8)