The atlas of natural disasters

Gr 5-8-Groman explores volcanoes, earthquakes, land and mudslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, drought, wildfires, floods, rising sea levels, etc. A brief, double-page overview-for example, on tsunamis-is generally followed by spreads on particular events. The author also discusses how data is gathered and used to predict, or lessen the impact of, future occurrences, and he describes deforestation, pollution, disastrous projects, overpopulation, etc. Photographs, diagrams, tables, and some maps increase readers' understanding of some occurrences. Indeed, the book's strength is in its graphics: the full-color photographs often dramatically and clearly illustrate the force and effects of nature, while the diagrams show how the events come to pass. However, the book's design crowds many elements onto some spreads. Aspects of this title-the vocabulary; paucity of maps; certain diagrams (such as the three types of volcanic cones); and basic definitions, even in the glossary-may challenge readers. The Scholastic Atlas of the World (2001) has a fairly comprehensive yet succinct introduction to the planet Earth for this age group. Not a first purchase, but useful.-Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.