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Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens
Mountain of Fire is the narrative nonfiction story of the violent volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, the story of the people who died, those who survived, and the heroes who fought to raise an alarm.
For weeks, the ground around Mount St. Helens shuddered like a dynamite keg ready to explode. There were legends of previou eruptions: violent fire, treacherous floods, and heat that had scoured the area. But the shaking and swelling was unlike any volcano ever seen before. Day and night, scientists tried to piece together the mountain’s clues—yet nothing could prepare them for the destruction to come.
The long-dormant volcano seethed away, boiling rock far below the surface. Washington’s governor, Dixie Lee Ray, understood the despair that would follow from people being forced from their homes. How and when should she give orders to evacuate the area? And would that be enough to save the people from the eruption of Mount St. Helens?
For weeks, the ground around Mount St. Helens shuddered like a dynamite keg ready to explode. There were legends of previou eruptions: violent fire, treacherous floods, and heat that had scoured the area. But the shaking and swelling was unlike any volcano ever seen before. Day and night, scientists tried to piece together the mountain’s clues—yet nothing could prepare them for the destruction to come.
The long-dormant volcano seethed away, boiling rock far below the surface. Washington’s governor, Dixie Lee Ray, understood the despair that would follow from people being forced from their homes. How and when should she give orders to evacuate the area? And would that be enough to save the people from the eruption of Mount St. Helens?
175 pages, Hardcover
Published May 14, 2024
7 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca E.F. Barone
5 books19 followersAs an engineer, Rebecca E. F. Barone has worked on projects ranging from injury analysis for the NFL to engine calibration for hybrid cars. Realizing her love for books in addition to numbers, she now describes the world with words rather than equations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 11, 2025
This books was so captivating! I was surprised how much I was invested into the story. I didn’t really know what happened to Mount St. Helens. Sure, I knew that it erupted and have climbed to the top, but I never fully understood what people went through. This showed the heartache, the frustration, and how people survived. There is death in this book, so keep that in mind. But I really think this is a great read for adults and middle-grade kids.
March 16, 2024
Well done narrative nonfiction.
October 16, 2023
This is different than any other book I’ve read about Mount St. Helens.
This is a narrative nonfiction, not historical fiction, so it doesn’t follow one set of characters on their journey to survive the eruption. Instead it accurately details the lead up to the eruption, the eruption, and the aftermath from the view of scientists and survivors. It is easier to read than a typical nonfiction because of the narrative format.
I have always been fascinated by the eruption of Mount St. Helens and knew I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it. It was a well written account of the eruption. When I think of middle grade books that deal with the eruption they are typically historical fiction. They tend to have a more optimistic look at the disaster and a happy ending for the characters involved. It was difficult to read sections about scientists, campers, and hikers that did not survive.
If you or a young adult that you know is interested in the eruption of Mount St. Helens then I definitely recommend this book for getting accurate facts. It is easier to read than a straight nonfiction, but still filled with so much information.
This is a narrative nonfiction, not historical fiction, so it doesn’t follow one set of characters on their journey to survive the eruption. Instead it accurately details the lead up to the eruption, the eruption, and the aftermath from the view of scientists and survivors. It is easier to read than a typical nonfiction because of the narrative format.
I have always been fascinated by the eruption of Mount St. Helens and knew I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it. It was a well written account of the eruption. When I think of middle grade books that deal with the eruption they are typically historical fiction. They tend to have a more optimistic look at the disaster and a happy ending for the characters involved. It was difficult to read sections about scientists, campers, and hikers that did not survive.
If you or a young adult that you know is interested in the eruption of Mount St. Helens then I definitely recommend this book for getting accurate facts. It is easier to read than a straight nonfiction, but still filled with so much information.
August 27, 2025
A Maine Student Book Award nominee for 25|26.
Wow! This book was great! Told with a narrative nonfiction slant, this middle grade book about the eruption of Mount St. Helens was a blast to read. With easily digestible, manageable chapters and a great pace; I know many of my students will love this.
The only drawback (and it’s a big one) is that there are absolutely zero pictures in this book. When I would read about different people or events, I had to go to the internet to look up images and videos. I wish the author had included some visual media, to help students understand the scope and magnitude.
Wow! This book was great! Told with a narrative nonfiction slant, this middle grade book about the eruption of Mount St. Helens was a blast to read. With easily digestible, manageable chapters and a great pace; I know many of my students will love this.
The only drawback (and it’s a big one) is that there are absolutely zero pictures in this book. When I would read about different people or events, I had to go to the internet to look up images and videos. I wish the author had included some visual media, to help students understand the scope and magnitude.
February 14, 2025
Details the 1980 volcanic eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington state. Includes first-hand accounts from scientists, residents, tourists, and survivors of the eruption.
January 30, 2024
E ARC provided by Netgalley
I have to admit that I still have Volcano : The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens by Patricia Lauber from 1986 in my school library, mainly because I remember this happening. Obviously, after 40 plus years, the details are fuzzy, so it's good to see this major environmental event given a thorough nonfiction treatment.
Barone, who has a science background, does a good job at outlining the history of the volcanic activity in the area, and explains how modern scientific record keeping has changed over time. Sure, we know that there was an Eruption in 1853 that killed fish, but there isn't the kind of seizmological information that can be gathered now. Even in 1980, the information wasn't necessarily computerized; the readings would come out on paper. The most astonishing thing to me was that there was a lot of data gathered, but because some of it was able to be printed over the weekend, it wasn't able to be used to warn people!
Earthquake tremors began to be felt in March of 1980, and scientists were very concerned. Weyerhauser loggers and scientists were the only ones who were supposed to stay in the area, but as time wore on and Mt. St. Helens made the news, tourists started coming in to the area to see what was going on. This caused a lot of safety hazards, especially on the narrow, winding mountain roads. A lot of people were evacuated, but there were some hold outs; one of the more memorable characters who was on the news a lot was Harry Truman, who was determined to stay in his lodge that he had run with his wife. He was 83, and felt he had prepared for the disaster, which wouldn't really effect him. He eventually perished.
While most of the Spirit Lake Residents left, and the YWCA and Boy Scout Camps got permission to remove equipment from their camps, there were a number of hikers, photographers, and scientists who flocked to the area. The book even talks about Keith and Dorothy Stoffel, geologists who decided to charter a helicopter to fly over the mountain and were practically on top of the volcano when it erupted! There was also a family who narrowly escaped. In all, 57 people died, including David Johnston, who was the one remaining scientist at one of the observation points.
There's lots of interesting scientific information about what was occurring with the volcano and also about the aftermath. I was fascinated by the fact that grass seed was scattered over the area to try to get things to grow. All that it did was to attract a large number of mice, who ate the seeds, and when they ran out, gnawed on the emerging trees! Had nothing been done, the area would have recuperated more quickly.
My only quibble with the book is that the cover made it seem like this would be a fictional book; it's somewhat similar to the Lauren Tarshis 2016 I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 cover, right down to the anachronistic skinny jeans. I also wouldn't have minded a list of the 57 people who were killed; it would be a fitting memorial, although I'm sure the information is available online.
Like Barone's Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica and Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code, this is a well researched and appealing written book that will get a lot of use. It's great for pleasure reading, but has enough details to make it a good choice for research as well. It reminded me a bit of Walker's 2011 Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 in its combination of facts and personal stories.
I have to admit that I still have Volcano : The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens by Patricia Lauber from 1986 in my school library, mainly because I remember this happening. Obviously, after 40 plus years, the details are fuzzy, so it's good to see this major environmental event given a thorough nonfiction treatment.
Barone, who has a science background, does a good job at outlining the history of the volcanic activity in the area, and explains how modern scientific record keeping has changed over time. Sure, we know that there was an Eruption in 1853 that killed fish, but there isn't the kind of seizmological information that can be gathered now. Even in 1980, the information wasn't necessarily computerized; the readings would come out on paper. The most astonishing thing to me was that there was a lot of data gathered, but because some of it was able to be printed over the weekend, it wasn't able to be used to warn people!
Earthquake tremors began to be felt in March of 1980, and scientists were very concerned. Weyerhauser loggers and scientists were the only ones who were supposed to stay in the area, but as time wore on and Mt. St. Helens made the news, tourists started coming in to the area to see what was going on. This caused a lot of safety hazards, especially on the narrow, winding mountain roads. A lot of people were evacuated, but there were some hold outs; one of the more memorable characters who was on the news a lot was Harry Truman, who was determined to stay in his lodge that he had run with his wife. He was 83, and felt he had prepared for the disaster, which wouldn't really effect him. He eventually perished.
While most of the Spirit Lake Residents left, and the YWCA and Boy Scout Camps got permission to remove equipment from their camps, there were a number of hikers, photographers, and scientists who flocked to the area. The book even talks about Keith and Dorothy Stoffel, geologists who decided to charter a helicopter to fly over the mountain and were practically on top of the volcano when it erupted! There was also a family who narrowly escaped. In all, 57 people died, including David Johnston, who was the one remaining scientist at one of the observation points.
There's lots of interesting scientific information about what was occurring with the volcano and also about the aftermath. I was fascinated by the fact that grass seed was scattered over the area to try to get things to grow. All that it did was to attract a large number of mice, who ate the seeds, and when they ran out, gnawed on the emerging trees! Had nothing been done, the area would have recuperated more quickly.
My only quibble with the book is that the cover made it seem like this would be a fictional book; it's somewhat similar to the Lauren Tarshis 2016 I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 cover, right down to the anachronistic skinny jeans. I also wouldn't have minded a list of the 57 people who were killed; it would be a fitting memorial, although I'm sure the information is available online.
Like Barone's Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica and Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code, this is a well researched and appealing written book that will get a lot of use. It's great for pleasure reading, but has enough details to make it a good choice for research as well. It reminded me a bit of Walker's 2011 Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 in its combination of facts and personal stories.
June 13, 2024
What worked:
Here is a non-fiction story where readers already know what’s going to happen. Mount St. Helens will eventually erupt and cause widespread devastation and death. The chapters chronicle scientists measuring, observing, studying their instruments, and researching past eruptions as they try to explain the earthquakes, tremors, and gassy plumes of smoke. Most of the scientists expect something to happen but they can’t say for certain exactly what it will be or when. Unfortunately, reporters and the public want answers to these questions and they begin to doubt whether Mount St. Helens poses a serious threat. Readers know the mountain will violently explode so they’ll realize any skepticism is delaying the implementation of life-saving safety plans.
Most readers will have some knowledge of volcanoes but they may be surprised that Mount St. Helens wasn’t ordinary. Scientists often use earthquake patterns and analysis of gases to understand what’s happening but the data from Mount St. Helens is confusing. Earthquakes are typically caused by sections of rock rubbing and shifting but the seismic readings this time don’t seem to match that expectation. The history of Mount St. Helens doesn’t suggest much force will be directed laterally but that’s exactly what caused most of the destruction in 1980. Different scientists have insightful thoughts after studying data on the mountain but their theories are still taken as speculation and significant precautions aren’t taken in time.
The book humanizes the Mount St. Helens disaster by introducing real people who lived and died through it. One scientist states, “Our worst-case scenario was far, far exceeded.” Many chapters in the second half of the book describe people trying to avoid the perils of the eruption. Every page tells someone’s survival story and highlights their determination and resiliency. Flying debris falls from the skies and heavy ash coats the ground several feet deep. Trees five or six feet in diameter topple like matchsticks and some people manage to live by hiding under the huge trunks and roots. Muddy floods speed down the mountain and the book shares the adventure of a man and woman caught in the torrent.
What didn’t work as well:
The early chapters read like a documentary which might not appeal to general middle-grade readers. As the book gets into the survival stories, I find myself wanting pictures or photographs in the book of the people. There are so many people included that it’s hard to distinguish one person from another. There’s a QR code at the beginning for readers to access photographs.
The final verdict:
The early part of the book will interest volcano and science lovers while the rest of it will appeal to those who enjoy adventure. The author manages to effectively mix facts and information with human interest to create an enlightening, entertaining tale of the Mount St. Helens eruption. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
Here is a non-fiction story where readers already know what’s going to happen. Mount St. Helens will eventually erupt and cause widespread devastation and death. The chapters chronicle scientists measuring, observing, studying their instruments, and researching past eruptions as they try to explain the earthquakes, tremors, and gassy plumes of smoke. Most of the scientists expect something to happen but they can’t say for certain exactly what it will be or when. Unfortunately, reporters and the public want answers to these questions and they begin to doubt whether Mount St. Helens poses a serious threat. Readers know the mountain will violently explode so they’ll realize any skepticism is delaying the implementation of life-saving safety plans.
Most readers will have some knowledge of volcanoes but they may be surprised that Mount St. Helens wasn’t ordinary. Scientists often use earthquake patterns and analysis of gases to understand what’s happening but the data from Mount St. Helens is confusing. Earthquakes are typically caused by sections of rock rubbing and shifting but the seismic readings this time don’t seem to match that expectation. The history of Mount St. Helens doesn’t suggest much force will be directed laterally but that’s exactly what caused most of the destruction in 1980. Different scientists have insightful thoughts after studying data on the mountain but their theories are still taken as speculation and significant precautions aren’t taken in time.
The book humanizes the Mount St. Helens disaster by introducing real people who lived and died through it. One scientist states, “Our worst-case scenario was far, far exceeded.” Many chapters in the second half of the book describe people trying to avoid the perils of the eruption. Every page tells someone’s survival story and highlights their determination and resiliency. Flying debris falls from the skies and heavy ash coats the ground several feet deep. Trees five or six feet in diameter topple like matchsticks and some people manage to live by hiding under the huge trunks and roots. Muddy floods speed down the mountain and the book shares the adventure of a man and woman caught in the torrent.
What didn’t work as well:
The early chapters read like a documentary which might not appeal to general middle-grade readers. As the book gets into the survival stories, I find myself wanting pictures or photographs in the book of the people. There are so many people included that it’s hard to distinguish one person from another. There’s a QR code at the beginning for readers to access photographs.
The final verdict:
The early part of the book will interest volcano and science lovers while the rest of it will appeal to those who enjoy adventure. The author manages to effectively mix facts and information with human interest to create an enlightening, entertaining tale of the Mount St. Helens eruption. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
May 17, 2025
In the spring of 1980, the ground around Mount St. Helens trembled with an ominous rhythm, a prelude to nature’s fury that would forever alter the Pacific Northwest. For weeks, scientists observed seismic activity, steam vents, and a growing bulge on the mountain’s north face. Despite their vigilance, nothing could prepare them for the catastrophic eruption that would follow. 
On May 18, 1980, at 8:32 a.m., Mount St. Helens erupted with devastating force. A massive earthquake triggered the largest landslide in recorded history, sending the mountain’s northern flank crashing away. This collapse unleashed a lateral blast of hot gas, ash, and rock traveling at speeds exceeding 300 mph, obliterating everything in its path . The eruption’s ash plume reached 80,000 feet into the atmosphere, depositing ash across 11 states and five Canadian provinces .  
In the face of this impending disaster, Washington Governor Dixy Lee Ray declared a state of emergency on April 3, 1980, acknowledging the real possibility of a major eruption or mudflow. She established a “red zone” in southwestern Washington, prohibiting public access and mandating evacuation if necessary. While the red zone restrictions are credited with saving thousands of lives, Ray faced criticism for allowing logging operations to continue in a “blue zone,” raising questions about the balance between economic interests and public safety . 
The eruption claimed 57 lives, including geologist David Johnston, who was monitoring the volcano’s activity, and innkeeper Harry R. Truman, who famously refused to evacuate his lodge despite the warnings . The landscape was forever changed: forests were flattened, rivers choked with debris, and communities devastated. 
“Mount St. Helens: The Eruption That Shook America” is a compelling narrative that captures the tension between scientific observation and the unpredictability of nature. It delves into the human stories behind the headlines, exploring the decisions, debates, and tragedies that unfolded in the shadow of the volcano. The book serves as both a historical account and a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and the powerful forces of the Earth.
As we approach the 45th anniversary of the eruption, Mount St. Helens remains a symbol of nature’s raw power and a testament to the resilience of those who lived through its fury. The lessons learned from that day continue to inform volcanic monitoring and disaster preparedness, ensuring that the memory of May 18, 1980, endures as both a tragedy and a catalyst for change.
On May 18, 1980, at 8:32 a.m., Mount St. Helens erupted with devastating force. A massive earthquake triggered the largest landslide in recorded history, sending the mountain’s northern flank crashing away. This collapse unleashed a lateral blast of hot gas, ash, and rock traveling at speeds exceeding 300 mph, obliterating everything in its path . The eruption’s ash plume reached 80,000 feet into the atmosphere, depositing ash across 11 states and five Canadian provinces .  
In the face of this impending disaster, Washington Governor Dixy Lee Ray declared a state of emergency on April 3, 1980, acknowledging the real possibility of a major eruption or mudflow. She established a “red zone” in southwestern Washington, prohibiting public access and mandating evacuation if necessary. While the red zone restrictions are credited with saving thousands of lives, Ray faced criticism for allowing logging operations to continue in a “blue zone,” raising questions about the balance between economic interests and public safety . 
The eruption claimed 57 lives, including geologist David Johnston, who was monitoring the volcano’s activity, and innkeeper Harry R. Truman, who famously refused to evacuate his lodge despite the warnings . The landscape was forever changed: forests were flattened, rivers choked with debris, and communities devastated. 
“Mount St. Helens: The Eruption That Shook America” is a compelling narrative that captures the tension between scientific observation and the unpredictability of nature. It delves into the human stories behind the headlines, exploring the decisions, debates, and tragedies that unfolded in the shadow of the volcano. The book serves as both a historical account and a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and the powerful forces of the Earth.
As we approach the 45th anniversary of the eruption, Mount St. Helens remains a symbol of nature’s raw power and a testament to the resilience of those who lived through its fury. The lessons learned from that day continue to inform volcanic monitoring and disaster preparedness, ensuring that the memory of May 18, 1980, endures as both a tragedy and a catalyst for change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Told from the perspective of various survivors (both scientists and civilians), Barone outlines the days leading up to Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption and what happened in the minutes, hours, and days following the eruption, how people survived the catastrophe, and what scientists learned from it.
I wasn't old enough to remember the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, but it was certainly a topic people liked to talk about and write books about as I entered elementary school since it was recent history. We had family friends who gave my grandparents a bottle of the ash from the eruption they collected from their back yard. So I knew some things about the eruption, but I definitely learned a lot more from reading this book. Barone does such an excellent job of making the story riveting, breaking down science into understandable terms, and relating survivors' stories and stories of those who didn't survive with honor, compassion, and tact. She makes the event come to life from both a scientist's perspective and an everyday hiker's perspective. It is obvious she did a ton of research, and I appreciate that she went to the effort of interviewing people who were on the frontlines. This is an excellent bit of nonfiction writing. Highly recommended.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None really. It is mentioned that a couple boyfriends/girlfriends were sleeping in the same tent while camping, but that's it.
Violence: The book does factually state that certain people did not survive the eruption. Barone states how they died but doesn't go into graphic details. Some are killed by the pyroclastic blast, some by trees knocked over in the blast, some in flood waters. Some survivors suffered severe injuries like a broken pelvis from falling trees, the heat blast burning skin (it is mentioned one person loses all the skin on their arms), and materials in the flood banging into them.
Ethnic diversity: The ethnic backgrounds of most people mentioned doesn't really come up.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Survivors get very dehydrated because all the water sources are polluted by ash and mud. Many of the survivors went through harrowing experiences before being rescued. Several of the scientists had survivors' guilt because they either should have been in the zone and weren't because of something that came up, felt like they could have done more, or had a colleague who died in a place where they were scheduled to be.
I wasn't old enough to remember the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, but it was certainly a topic people liked to talk about and write books about as I entered elementary school since it was recent history. We had family friends who gave my grandparents a bottle of the ash from the eruption they collected from their back yard. So I knew some things about the eruption, but I definitely learned a lot more from reading this book. Barone does such an excellent job of making the story riveting, breaking down science into understandable terms, and relating survivors' stories and stories of those who didn't survive with honor, compassion, and tact. She makes the event come to life from both a scientist's perspective and an everyday hiker's perspective. It is obvious she did a ton of research, and I appreciate that she went to the effort of interviewing people who were on the frontlines. This is an excellent bit of nonfiction writing. Highly recommended.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None really. It is mentioned that a couple boyfriends/girlfriends were sleeping in the same tent while camping, but that's it.
Violence: The book does factually state that certain people did not survive the eruption. Barone states how they died but doesn't go into graphic details. Some are killed by the pyroclastic blast, some by trees knocked over in the blast, some in flood waters. Some survivors suffered severe injuries like a broken pelvis from falling trees, the heat blast burning skin (it is mentioned one person loses all the skin on their arms), and materials in the flood banging into them.
Ethnic diversity: The ethnic backgrounds of most people mentioned doesn't really come up.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Survivors get very dehydrated because all the water sources are polluted by ash and mud. Many of the survivors went through harrowing experiences before being rescued. Several of the scientists had survivors' guilt because they either should have been in the zone and weren't because of something that came up, felt like they could have done more, or had a colleague who died in a place where they were scheduled to be.
February 8, 2024
Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens is a fantastic book that should be in every middle school library. It is a highly compelling narrative nonfiction title about a natural disaster that many younger readers know very little about. Additionally, both adults AND younger readers will be inspired to learn more and even possibly want to book a trip to the northwest to see the site of the event firsthand.
I started the book before bed, stayed up late reading, and woke up early the next day to finish it! I literally didn't want to put it down.
The meticulous research is evident both in the scientific detail as well as the personality traits of the individuals involved. As a primary source nerd, I LOVED the extensive list of references included at the end. As I read, I found myself taking time to look up some of the individuals mentioned and watch news clips or reports from that time. I never could have imagined the complexity of the backstory that existed about Mt. St. Helens; and how even though some warning signs that possibly could have better predicted when it erupted were ignored, it was ultimately some dumb luck (that it occurred on a weekend,) that it wasn't nearly as catastrophic as it could have been.
I can't wait to share this book with my middle school students and the classroom teachers. There are so many possibilities for curricular connections--including the actual research process and how to tell the story of a major disaster through the eyes of the people who went through it. The content of this book would fit perfectly within any content area classroom, and would be a perfect title for a variety of different interdisciplinary units. I am going to share this book specifically with my 6th grade science teacher because I think it would fit really well into their Earth Science unit.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy to read.
I started the book before bed, stayed up late reading, and woke up early the next day to finish it! I literally didn't want to put it down.
The meticulous research is evident both in the scientific detail as well as the personality traits of the individuals involved. As a primary source nerd, I LOVED the extensive list of references included at the end. As I read, I found myself taking time to look up some of the individuals mentioned and watch news clips or reports from that time. I never could have imagined the complexity of the backstory that existed about Mt. St. Helens; and how even though some warning signs that possibly could have better predicted when it erupted were ignored, it was ultimately some dumb luck (that it occurred on a weekend,) that it wasn't nearly as catastrophic as it could have been.
I can't wait to share this book with my middle school students and the classroom teachers. There are so many possibilities for curricular connections--including the actual research process and how to tell the story of a major disaster through the eyes of the people who went through it. The content of this book would fit perfectly within any content area classroom, and would be a perfect title for a variety of different interdisciplinary units. I am going to share this book specifically with my 6th grade science teacher because I think it would fit really well into their Earth Science unit.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy to read.
October 7, 2024
Even though I grew up in Washington and remember seeing ash on the road outside my house following Mount St. Helens' eruption, I didn't know all that much about the event. MOUNTAIN OF FIRE provides a detailed, immersive account of the volcano's eruption, which actually took place over 1 1/2 months. The story is told through the experiences and accounts of a group of people who witnessed the events—scientists, campers, tourists, reporters, and residents. It's a fascinating book. Especially interesting is what happened before May 18, when people noticed Mount St. Helens grumbling, but weren't sure how nervous they really needed to be. Scientists couldn't tell people if or exactly when the mountain would blow again, so some people ignored the warnings while others prepared for devastation. It asks an interesting question in the face of natural disasters: How can scientists accurately warn the public of incoming danger? How can the general populace by better attention to better prevent death and destruction?
MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is written for a middle-grade audience. It moves swiftly, using short chapters and active prose to keep the story moving along. Plenty of volcanic science is discussed, but it never gets too dense or overcomplicated for young readers. At the same time, it's not simplistic. It doesn't talk down to them. In fact, it strikes a perfect balance of giving enough information without drowning the reader in too many unnecessary details. While MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is engrossing, it's not an I Survived book (although there is one about Mount St. Helens). This account will appeal to the more science-minded readers out there, those who are looking for more information than a quick fictional story would give.
MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is written for a middle-grade audience. It moves swiftly, using short chapters and active prose to keep the story moving along. Plenty of volcanic science is discussed, but it never gets too dense or overcomplicated for young readers. At the same time, it's not simplistic. It doesn't talk down to them. In fact, it strikes a perfect balance of giving enough information without drowning the reader in too many unnecessary details. While MOUNTAIN OF FIRE is engrossing, it's not an I Survived book (although there is one about Mount St. Helens). This account will appeal to the more science-minded readers out there, those who are looking for more information than a quick fictional story would give.
October 17, 2023
Wow! Growing up in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens, I have witnessed the “mountain” renewing herself my entire life (I was only weeks old for the eruption) and have heard the science and the stories told from many perspectives. Rebecca’s account brings new life to these stories and tells them in a way that is understandable and fascinating. Though I knew how it would end, I still found shelf rooting for the scientists studying the mountain and screaming at the tourists and homeowners who just couldn’t stay away.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but remember teaching in the suburbs of Seattle in the fall of 2004 when St. Helens “woke up” again. I remember turning in the radio during my planning period to hear the updates. I was surprised and delighted to see that Rebecca did not neglect this more recent “episode” of the life of St. Helens.
Though I think this book may be a bit too much for wary middle grade readers to tackle independently, older readers and those fascinated and familiar with volcanoes will find it gripping, just like I did.
Rebecca, you’ve definitely found a way to bring new life to a heavy, sorrow-filled story; my heart raced with each new character’s story and going all would turn out well for them in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc of this fantastic nonfiction book.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but remember teaching in the suburbs of Seattle in the fall of 2004 when St. Helens “woke up” again. I remember turning in the radio during my planning period to hear the updates. I was surprised and delighted to see that Rebecca did not neglect this more recent “episode” of the life of St. Helens.
Though I think this book may be a bit too much for wary middle grade readers to tackle independently, older readers and those fascinated and familiar with volcanoes will find it gripping, just like I did.
Rebecca, you’ve definitely found a way to bring new life to a heavy, sorrow-filled story; my heart raced with each new character’s story and going all would turn out well for them in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc of this fantastic nonfiction book.
May 16, 2024
What a captivating read! I started this book thinking I would read a few chapters, but then I kept reading on, wanting to learn what happened next. Before I knew it, I had finished the whole book in one sitting!
This is an incredibly interesting story, and Barone does an excellent job of recounting it through the eyes of many of the people involved (scientists, politicians, survivors, and even victims). The history comes alive, and this book is a fast-paced thrill ride that has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The book is very well researched, with the author expertly weaving interviews with those involved into the narrative. You come away from the book feeling like you've both learned a lot of science around volcanos while also having read a gripping disaster novel.
While I may be older than the intended reader, I really enjoyed this one and know I would have loved it when I was younger as well. There are great role models in the scientists who studied the volcano before, during, and after the event, which I can imagine will inspire younger readers who might be considering STEM fields. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the Mt. St. Helens eruption, anyone who enjoys narrative nonfiction, or those who like to come away from a book having learned something new.
This is an incredibly interesting story, and Barone does an excellent job of recounting it through the eyes of many of the people involved (scientists, politicians, survivors, and even victims). The history comes alive, and this book is a fast-paced thrill ride that has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The book is very well researched, with the author expertly weaving interviews with those involved into the narrative. You come away from the book feeling like you've both learned a lot of science around volcanos while also having read a gripping disaster novel.
While I may be older than the intended reader, I really enjoyed this one and know I would have loved it when I was younger as well. There are great role models in the scientists who studied the volcano before, during, and after the event, which I can imagine will inspire younger readers who might be considering STEM fields. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the Mt. St. Helens eruption, anyone who enjoys narrative nonfiction, or those who like to come away from a book having learned something new.
October 30, 2023
3.5 Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for the e-ARC. This book almost reads like fiction as it jumps from character to character leading up and then during the explosion. The reader learns the science of volcanoes as well how unpredictable they are, especially Mt. St. Helens. For instance, rather than exploding from the top, it exploded on the north side. In addition, scientists were unable to predict when this would happen because for weeks leading up the the ultimate explosion, there were earthquakes, and spewing ash and steam, but not lava. Finally on May 18, at 8:30 at 8:30 in the morning, Mt. St. Helen's finally blew, almost like an atomic blast and vaporized anything in its path. There were mudslides and trees felled by pressure and landslides.
I realize this was narrative nonfiction, but pictures would have been great, especially for middle school students. I did appreciate the maps at the beginning. I also think it would be helpful to readers to have the dates on each chapter to help them keep track of the timeline.
I will purchase.
I realize this was narrative nonfiction, but pictures would have been great, especially for middle school students. I did appreciate the maps at the beginning. I also think it would be helpful to readers to have the dates on each chapter to help them keep track of the timeline.
I will purchase.
January 16, 2024
This was one of the most fast-paced, informative, intriguing non-fiction books I've read in a long time. Though it is marketed for a middle grade audience, I think it will appeal well to older ages. I read it aloud to my eleven-year-old and she stayed engaged and fascinated the entire time we were reading.
The cover gives off a historical fiction vibe, but there is nothing fictional about Mountain of Fire. Barone has done thorough research, and every time my daughter asked a question, it was usually answered within a few paragraphs. We especially appreciated the chapters at the end, which discussed what changed as a result of the 1980 eruption. The only thing I felt was truly missing were photographs, which of course probably aren't yet in the public domain. Still, I feel that I know a lot more about volcanoes and Mount Saint Helens in particular as a result of reading this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The cover gives off a historical fiction vibe, but there is nothing fictional about Mountain of Fire. Barone has done thorough research, and every time my daughter asked a question, it was usually answered within a few paragraphs. We especially appreciated the chapters at the end, which discussed what changed as a result of the 1980 eruption. The only thing I felt was truly missing were photographs, which of course probably aren't yet in the public domain. Still, I feel that I know a lot more about volcanoes and Mount Saint Helens in particular as a result of reading this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2025
Being that our school is only 90 minutes from Mt. St. Helens, this was a fascinating read. I was only 8 when the mountain exploded -- and my students weren't alive at all -- so there is so much to be learned from this book. I loved reading how much scientists learned from this eruption that has forever changed the study of volcanos and the ability to predict them. It is tragic that 57 lives were lost -- I wish an appendix had listed all of their names. I loved how Barone made the days before and after May 18, 1980 come alive with all of the accounts from those who were there. My one disappointment -- and yes, it's worth a star -- was that there are no photos actually included in the book, just a QR code and a website. I know my students would have much rather had these 29 pages of photos in the book (even if they were in black and white), as I found myself wanting to put faces to names as I read.
May 21, 2024
Books like Mountain of Fire are the way to get young readers excited about nonfiction. From start to finish, it’s an engaging read that makes you want to know more.
Author Rebecca E. F. Barone has meticulously researched the topic, including first-person interviews with some of the scientists and survivors.
Barone’s writing is accessible and full of energy. Her pacing is spot on, building up anticipation with every turn of the page.
As an adult, I was glued to Mountain of Fire, and after describing it to my 10-year-old, it’s on her to-read list. I plan on purchasing a copy — my review is based on a digital advance review copy — and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for older middle readers, young adults or adults. It’s excellent.
Author Rebecca E. F. Barone has meticulously researched the topic, including first-person interviews with some of the scientists and survivors.
Barone’s writing is accessible and full of energy. Her pacing is spot on, building up anticipation with every turn of the page.
As an adult, I was glued to Mountain of Fire, and after describing it to my 10-year-old, it’s on her to-read list. I plan on purchasing a copy — my review is based on a digital advance review copy — and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for older middle readers, young adults or adults. It’s excellent.
May 23, 2024
This is yet another book on the story of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. It is shorter and less detailed than many others and the writing is good but fairly simple. For these reasons I rate it high because it does a good job of covering lots of the aspects of the eruption from the geology/volcanology to the hazards to the social upheaval to many of the survivor stories without getting bogged down in too many details. The science part is simplified but sound and it does a good job of giving the feeling of how much was not known and the frustration that the civil authorities had in getting scientists to say what was going to happen... which of course they could not, just the variety of things might happen.
January 28, 2024
An exciting narrative non-fiction book. Barone lays out an increasingly tense set of 'what-ifs' in the lead-up to the eruption as the tension rises and builds in the scientific community, parallelling the pressure growing inside Mount St. Helens. Even though I knew it would erupt, I still found it difficult to stop reading once I had started. I was so curious about what would happen to all the people profiled in the book as they fled from the path of the eruption that I stayed up way too late reading. A fast-paced true-life narrative with fascinating human history and exciting science makes this book a winner!
January 22, 2025
I will start off with—I wish the two kids were not in the cover. I think it takes away from the book and doesn’t do it justice. But anyway, we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, right?
This nonfiction book is organized perfectly for the topic. The science and history are mixed in with the narratives of the survivors (and those not so lucky). The accounts of survival are page-turning.
This is a quicker read. The chapters are short and move at a quick pace. This book has comfortable spacing and a mid-size font for a smooth reading experience.
If you need a good nonfiction book, pick this one up!
This nonfiction book is organized perfectly for the topic. The science and history are mixed in with the narratives of the survivors (and those not so lucky). The accounts of survival are page-turning.
This is a quicker read. The chapters are short and move at a quick pace. This book has comfortable spacing and a mid-size font for a smooth reading experience.
If you need a good nonfiction book, pick this one up!
May 29, 2024
I remember visiting Mount St Helens as a kid (probably about 10 or so years after it erupted) and growing up hearing stories about the eruption from family (we have a jar of ash from the eruption and several newspapers from the morning after). This was clearly a well-researched book and Barone did a great job of bringing the story to life in this narrative non-fiction.
The book is a great length for middle grade readers and kids who like survival stories will be particularly interested in this book.
The book is a great length for middle grade readers and kids who like survival stories will be particularly interested in this book.
August 26, 2024
I knew mountain is going to erupt, but you get drawn in to the suspense of waiting for it to happen. Information is based on research and the author's interviews. The author includes a chapter on Lessons Learned from the eruption. It is fascinating how much has changed about volcano and potential volcano monitoring. For those interested in learning more, there is a bibliography. While there are no photos included in this book, there is a map and an table of people mentioned in the book. Anyone interested in seeing photos can access them via a QR code or the website address provided.
May 1, 2024
If someone is interested in volcanoes and specifically the eruption of Mount St. Helen in 1980, this is a good choice. It falls short of being a compelling narrative non-fiction as the people and situations are revealed with too much telling making it hard for the reader to really get involved. The research was well done, the scientific information being the focal point of the book. It read too much like a report of the the event rather than a compelling story.
May 30, 2024
I don't read a ton of nonfiction, but I always look forward to a new book from Rebecca Barone because her blend of science and story makes for such a gripping read that you feel like you're reading a suspense novel -- one that wraps her extensive research in the stories of the people who lived it like a real-life "I Survived" account. And let me just add: The accounts of the brave geologists' last radio broadcasts moments before they were overtaken by the eruption? Absolute chills.
June 22, 2024
Very informative - To read the accounts of events of those who were there and caught up in the eruption is Scarier than any thriller movie out there. A great addition to any earth science class - Mt St Helens was a unique and historic eruption- I now have a much better understanding of volcanos and this particular eruption. I was surprised to learn through more investigation that the USA has the greatest number of volcanos in the world and that Yellowstone is a volcano! Who knew!
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February 21, 2024Thanks to the author for sending me and my MG ARC sharing group a copy.
I really liked this book, especially once it got to the point of the eruption. I read it really fast then. I'm glad the author included the list of names at the beginning you could refer to, because there are a lot of people in this book!
I really liked this book, especially once it got to the point of the eruption. I read it really fast then. I'm glad the author included the list of names at the beginning you could refer to, because there are a lot of people in this book!
February 26, 2024
Step aside I Survived series...this book is fantastic. The amount of research the author did is evident. I was in kindergarten when the mountain erupted so I don't remember much but have heard stories from my dad and grandpa. This book brought me right into this historic event and wouldn't let me go. I can't wait to share this with my middle schoolers!
May 28, 2024
A heart-pounding true story! Rebecca Barone does a brilliant job assembling startling facts, rich details, and spot-on quotes to tell the story of the Mount St. Helen's eruption in 1980. Barone's job is all the more difficult because we know the end result, but that doesn't stop her. This is nonfiction at its best.
July 3, 2024
An enjoyable and informative read about the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. While this one is written toward younger audiences, I think it is enjoyable for both adults and middle grade kids who want to know more about Mount St. Helens and its eruption. Highly recommend. Rebecca Barone has a way of taking a topic and making it accessible to all readers.
August 11, 2024
Thrilling book! All about scientists and from the point of view of scientist of many kinds, people camping on the mountain and others flying in planes overhead. Serves as a great introduction to volcanology for kids and the wonder and power of earth’s natural forces! Warning: there's (understandably) a death of a scientist monitoring Mount St. Helens, handled well. The author uses her own and others' interviews of dozens of scientists, hikers & campers, photographers and helicopter pilots to bring immediacy and lots of deep information. Don't miss it!
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