Earthquakes: Earth's Mightiest Moments

by David L. Harrison

Each year there are millions of earthquakes. Most are mild tremors that cause no damage. They usually go unnoticed. But a few earthquakes can be devastating, like the one that struck San Francisco in 1989 and destroyed hundreds of homes. Earthquakes happen under the ocean, too. If the quakes are strong enough, the shocks create enormous waves. Such powerful waves roll across the ocean at high speeds and may cause more damage when they hit land than the earthquake itself. What causes the Earth to quiver and shake? This basic introduction explains why the Earth's surface sometimes moves. It shows young readers how scientists believe the earth is made, from its hot iron core to the enormous floating plates that form the cool outer crust where we live. David L. Harrison and Cheryl Nathan examine the nature and causes of earthquakes in vivid, easy-to-understand language and bold illustrations.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Libby Erwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal Reaction: I thought that Earthquakes by David Harrison was a good book to read to students as an introduction to what earthquakes are. The book was very informative and has pictures that are very kid-friendly (they relate to the topic but are also dramatized to stress the point they are making). Even thought this book was informative and interesting, I think at some points it lacked the ability to keep students engaged. Although it was very fact driven, which is important in any informational book, this is still meant for children and should have a storyline that will keep them interested. Overall, I did think that was a good book with a specific purpose, and if this is what you were looking for then it would be perfect for a classroom setting.

Read Aloud: Of course, this book would be incorporated into a science course when discussing earth disasters. As I previously stated, this book is very fact driven so you could use this book as an introduction and point out terms and facts that'll be brought up again throughout the lesson. You could also use this book in a literature course when pointing out different types of books. This is an informational book and is pretty much following the exact standard for what an informational book is, so it would be a good tool to use as an example to show the class.

Independent reading: On an individual level, you could use this book with a student who shows a high passion in natural disasters. At younger ages, when students develop passions involving schoolwork it is important to jump on those and keep the fire alive. If you don't, students could become less interested and that is even more likely in a realm involving science for most students.

[Aryana Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Personal Reaction: When reading this book I found it to be very beneficial. It was really interesting and when I was reading the story I found that it would be beneficial to use for a study in science class. Very interesting and factual informational stuff necessary for students to learn. I personally liked the book because it describes how earthquakes are formed and how they happen etc.,
2. Purpose/Use in the Classroom: The genre of this book is considered non-fiction and it is used for a science unit to take place. This book could be used for children in grades 2nd-4th grade. It can be read aloud to students while learning and doing a unit on earthquakes. A literary element that would be very useful in this situation is conflict. Describing how an earthquake is caused and everything. Some nonfiction conventions that are used in this book is The only main thing that is in this story is a diagram showing what the Earth looks like. For example, the core, outer core, mantle, and crust.
3. Diverse Perspectives: There was mostly just vocabulary words about science that third or even fourth graders would know. (Core, mantle) How everything is shaped in science words.

[Mackenzie Sipes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Reaction: I thought this book provided a lot of knowledge for students.They provided similes so that large concepts like the layers of the earth are easier for children or students to understand. I enjoyed the illustrations because they provided help for children to be able to follow the book.

Independent: I would give this to a second grader to read independently. Earthquakes are a large concept but with similes they will be able to understand it more. There is extra information provided in the back of the book for children who want to learn more too. The pictures are also colorful and will help keep the children entertained.

Curriculum: This book would be good to introduce during a weather unit. They talk about how earthquakes start and the severe damage they bring to the world. Students will be amused by the diagrams and the different pictures that help explain what the text says on that page

[Jessica Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good way to show the damage that earthquakes cause and how they change the surface of the earth very quickly.

[Jacquelyn Arbegast]

Another great informational book for students. Again, I would definitely use this book in a science lesson.