Chasing Eruptions: How Volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft Helped Save 60,000 Lives-But Lost Their Own

by Curtis Manley, Katherine Roy (Illustrator)

The gripping story of volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, perfect for armchair adventurers who loved The Mona Lisa Vanishes and Becoming Muhammad Ali. Complete with stunning illustrations from award-winning illustrator, Katherine Roy, and extensive backmatter for school and at-home conversations.

This beautiful biography in verse is about two French scientists who changed what we know about volcanoes. Katia, a curious girl who collected pebbles and dreamed of escaping her small town, grew up just a few miles away from Maurice, a boy who knew more about rocks and minerals than his own teachers. . . . When Katia and Maurice met as college students, they formed The Vulcan Team—named after the Roman god of fire—to observe, investigate, and document one of the most dangerous, natural phenomena on the volcanoes!

With dynamic art from award-winning artist Katherine Roy, Chasing Eruptions traces the legacy of Katia and Maurice Kraffts’ volcanic photographs and films—and how their footage continues to inspire and educate today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Science, History, Childrens, Novel In Verse, Historical

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2026

About the author

I write for young people of all ages and strive to create fun books with facts about the world around us and truths about the worlds within.

curtismanley.com

Reviews

[Ann Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about volcanoes is a unique blend of biography in verse, survivor stories, fascinating sidebars, photos, illustrations, and an extensive back matter. The narrative opens when the two volcanologist heroes, Maurice and Katia, are about to lose their lives to science. Dedicated and passionate about volcanoes from an early age, here’s the story of how the two made a living by studying this phenomenon and speaking, writing, and making films to enlighten others—and potentially save lives. Their life journey was anything but ordinary as they trekked around the world studying volcanic activity. From Iceland to Greece to Indonesia to various far corners of the globe, Maurice and Katia experienced hardship after hardship to better understand the make-up and behavior of this natural occurrence. Their efforts paid off. At the end of the story when Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted, while 400 people were killed, 250,000 were evacuated due in large part to Maurice and Katia’s knowledge of how volcanoes behave. This is an incredible and engaging book! Pages are designed to be accessible and not overloaded by text. The text reads like a story while sharing incredible information about volcanoes. One of my favorite quotes from Maurice is, “In one year, I am a writer, a movie maker, a scientist, and an adventurer and so on—and when you mix all this, it is fantastic!” Definitely recommend this book for upper elementary readers and above.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic nonfiction that will keep readers on the edge of their seats! Through a marvelous and engaging combination of verse narrative, informational sidebars, illustrations, and survivor stories, Manley tells the amazing true story of two vulcanologists whose fascination with volcanoes began in childhood and led them to explore some of the most dangerous volcanic areas on Earth. Their research contributed so much to the understanding of volcanic activity that an international award for volcanic research was named after them, along with being recognized across the globe for their work. They were also lauded for dramatically publicizing (through film, conferences, and other media) the different types of dangers presented by active volcanoes, information that helped save thousands of lives. Strangely, it seemed fitting that they would lose their lives together while doing research on an active volcano in Japan. As many quotes from the couple emphasize in the book, volcanoes were their children, and they faced these dangers knowing full well that they lived life on the edge of their children's temper tantrums, and wouldn't have it any other way. The back matter includes historical photos and links to more resources. Fantastic book that reads like a nonstop adventure story...which, in fact, it is. Kudos to Manley for telling their story so creatively!

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was among the evacuees from the Philippines after Mt. Pinatubo erupted.

This dual biography briefly covers the childhoods of both volcanologists, how they met, married, and became lifelong partners in the study of volcanoes around the world. The book opens like many modern movies – with the last day of their lives. Each chapter opens with the place, date and time of the action, and occasionally a quote by either Maurice or Katia that sets the tone for the chapter. Then switches to the formative years of each, how the same documentary film inspired both to become volcanologists. They met at the University of Strasbourg and became inseparable in their passion for studying volcanoes around the world. It was their work that had informed the scientists prediction of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines and ordered the evacuation of 250K people, with 60K people homeless because their homes were destroyed.

Written in free verse form, often a paragraph verse is comprised of one long sentence. Written in this form, it is a fast read with lots of white space and several illustrations in black/white/gray with red highlights for pop scattered throughout the book. In the front of the book are a table of contents and a map indicates volcanoes mentioned in the book. Backmatter includes 6 pages of captioned photographs (both in color & in B&W) of the Kraffts and volcanoes they saw, an Author’s Note, definitions and clarification of volcanic activity and study, and other related material not included in the book, a bibliography for further reading, and a selected source bibliography.

Author authority: Manley studied geology in college and writes science books for young readers.

A fresh way to study volcanoes, giving the reader an inspiring close-up look at what volcanologists do in the field. Highly Recommended for grades 4-6.

[Alison Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHASING ERUPTIONS offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two of the world's most famous volcanologists, a couple who ultimately lost their lives in a massive eruption, but not before saving thousands of others through their work. Young readers will connect with stories of young Katia and Maurice as they "catch" volcanoes and decide to dedicate their lives to understanding these powerful structures.

Curtis Manley's use of verse is a refreshing change from more traditional approaches to middle grade nonfiction and seems to fit well with the subject matter. The writing carefully balances the researchers' fascination with volcanoes with the dangers inherent in their field, and extensive back matter provides an in-depth overview of different types of volcanic activity as well as photos of volcanoes and the Kraffts in action.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of two people brought together by love of volcanology unfolds alongside the stories of volcanoes around the world. The sparse narrative text flows easily and builds with Maurice and Katia’s volcanic adventures as they witness disaster and astounding sights. Sidebars feature science, history, and people. Survivor stories and illustrations inserted throughout add further dimension to the story. Copious back matter includes photos and additional resources for curious readers. While the Kraffts began with an insatiable interest in volcanoes, their mission evolved to using film to educate the public and keep them safe. An amazing treasure trove and engaging story of the intersection of humans and volcanoes.

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing nonfiction book written in verse, full of incredible drama, adventure, compelling human stories, terrible tragedy, science, and discovery. The verse format allows for snapshots of different places, moments in history, and voices, and Curtis Manley weaves them all together into an engaging whole. The black/white/red illustrations complement the text really well. It's amazing that Maurice and Katia, the central real-life characters, saw 175 eruptions! And I'm grateful for their work to build understanding of how to stay safe when living near volcanoes, which saved many other lives. I learned a lot from this book and loved it all. Highly recommend!

[Kaitlyn Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manley's nonfiction book is verse is bursting with energy and information about the two brave volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who spent a lifetime sharing their love of volcanoes with the world, and ultimately, used that passion to save thousands of lives.

The sidebars — that range from contextual notes to survivor tales — are informative stories in their own right that don't overwhelm the reader. Plus, Roy's illustrations are inviting, and the inky palette with a splash of color compliments the topic well. The back matter includes an author's note, archival images, discussion prompts, and further reader are great additions for anyone interested in exploring volcanology.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know the names Maurice and Katia Krafft who were volcanologists who ultimately lost their life to a volcano yet spent their lives studying them and sharing the information with the world through presentations and video. They were destined to be together globetrotting to visit all of the types of volcanoes and capturing their scientific information and the imagination of curious scientists.

It's a succinct story but shows the lasting impact on the study of volcanoes including memorials and scholarships in their name. An information middle grade nonfiction for the intrigued to spark exploration.

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely stunning--from the expertly crafted text in verse, to the heart-warming love story, to the daring adventure story, to the fascinating science, to the informative sidebars, to the heart-wrenching survivor stories, to the powerful illustrations, to the authentic photographs, to the inviting and engaging layout and design, to the in-depth backmatter at the end. It is clear that telling this incredible true story was a labor of love for everyone involved, thus readers can't help but love it as well. I devoured this one sitting, and I can't think of a better way to have spent my Saturday. Highly recommended!

[Marianne Blackstone Tabner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated nonfiction novel in verse, perfect for budding scientists and adults alike! Follow two brave Volcanologists, Katia and Maurice Krafft, on their fascinating, action packed, and captivating adventures around the world witnessing, documenting with film, volcano eruptions. Risking their own lives, they have created a legacy to transform the study of volcanoes, saving countless lives, today and in the future.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really has everything. There's history and science and wonderful writing and a love story. The couple in the story traveled around to different volcanoes, learning and then teaching others, and died together doing what they loved. This is an excellent story but also a wonderful resource for school and home. And the narration is so good! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.

This is a very well written book. I enjoyed how the survival stories were added into this book. This is a great book to if you don't know too much about volcanoes as 9t adds the history and science of them together to create a great look into them. The story of humanity within this book is great and touching as well. The narrator was a great choice for this book as well.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-packed, fast-moving science story!
Written in poetic form like a novel in verse, this tale of adventure follows the lives of volcanologists Katie and Maurice Krafft. And they were incredible people! Thoroughly dedicated to their science, they undertook huge challenges and contributed to their professions while saving lives. The book is wonderfully illustrated and deeply researched. What a great read!

[Katie Reinert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look at two volcanologists, Katia and Maurice Krafft, who dedicated their lives to studying volcanoes in order to help others during an eruption. The mix of verse, survivor stories, and scientific facts combines with extensive back matter to paint a vivid and informative picture of both volcanoes and these two dedicated scientists.

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is the story fascinating, it's told in a way that will give young readers confidence to tackle long-form nonfiction. There are lovely facts shared via larger text boxes spread throughout the narrative, and the illustrations really help the reader connect with the story. Extensive back matter rounds out the book. Highly recommend for any home or school library!

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting story about how these two volcanologists met and their journey through to their ends. We can feel their passion and commitment. The short engaging lines make this book very kid-friendly. The art is also gearing toward adding another layer of interest for middle-graders. Nonfiction books such as this one really aer game-changers for teachers and reluctant readers.

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the unique approach to middle grade nonfiction that this book takes. What a cool (or should I say HOT) combination of novel-in-verse and nonfiction sidebars/back matter that fully immerses you into the worlds of daring volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my libraries summer book challenge. I wanted a quick read about volcanoes. This was an interesting biography about married French volcanologists. I enjoyed the first hand accounts of survivors from various volcanoes as well.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about the Kraffts or volcanology, so this was a great introduction. But it was too sparse and I would have liked more - more about the Kraffts and volcanoes. This was very quick and needed some filling out.

[Nita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had potential, but I felt like it skipped over the good parts that would make this more appealing to kids. Probably best for those who are already budding volcanologists.