Hurricanes: The Science Behind Killer Storms

The Science Behind Natural Disasters

by Alvin Silverstein, Virginia B. Silverstein, Laura Silverstein Nunn

"Examines the science behind hurricanes, including how and where tropical storms form, the various types of tropical storms, how scientists track hurricanes, and provides hurricane safety tips"--Provided by publisher.

48 pages, Library Binding

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Alvin Silverstein grew up in Brooklyn, the youngest son of an immigrant family who emphasized hard work and education. After graduating from Brooklyn College, he went to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he got a Master's degree in chemistry and met his wife, author Virginia B. Silverstein. He got his Ph.D. at NYU while teaching at the College of Staten Island. He ultimately became a Professor of Biology there and also Director of the Physician Assistant program, while coauthoring books with his wife and, later, two of their children as well.

Reviews

[Natasha Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how a Hurricane got its name? Well, the answer is quite simple: “Every year, meteorologist use a special alphabetical list of names for hurricanes” (pg 23). There are different lists in the Atlantic and Pacific region that follow the common first names in those regions. Hurricanes: The Science Behind Killer Storms tackles all things hurricane and more. With fully labeled pictures, including real satellite images, this informational book puts a nature documentary in the palm of your hands.

I give Hurricanes: The Science Behind Killer Storms 3 stars. The information presented is very advanced and boring. Hurricane Katrina happened 4 years prior to the release of this book and 12 years prior to me reading this, and I still found that to be the most interesting part of the book. My problem with this book is the ratio of information to pictures. At times there were about 2 pages of information and one picture. This book reminds me of a Saturday morning with basic cable when all of the cartoons have gone off and they want to give children informative programming.

In a classroom, I would have this book in my room available to those who are interested. I believe that subjects like science take having an interest in to fully enjoy the content. While I do believe all children should know the basics, this book goes beyond some of the basics.

[Jaime Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This informational text is about hurricanes and the science behind them. This book is a little more specific than other informational texts about hurricanes because this one talks specifically about Hurricane Katrina. It gives information like the year she hit(2005) and how much damage she caused. It then goes into detail about how a hurricane is formed and shows exactly how Katrina was formed. It also gives helpful tips on how to stay safe during a hurricane and what to do if you're ever in one. I think kids will really enjoy this book because it has pictures from the destruction Katrina caused and gives helpful tips. I would recommend this book to any students that love storms because I's a storm freak and this book was really cool and informational. Learning about hurricanes and the danger was exciting to read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and it had lots of information i didnt know!

[Eagle Watcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a very good book bu tit was long.