Earthquakes

From Publishers Weekly With the increasing coverage of earthquakes worldwide, readers' interest should be piqued for this lucid introduction. Veteran photo-essayist Simon has produced another characteristically concise and involving precis. Facts abound, concerning such topics as the Pacific Ring of Fire; faults, especially the San Andreas; strike- and dip-slips; seismographs; the Richter and Mercali Intensity Scales; sand boils; and more. As in all of Simon's work, the high-quality photos and the book's spacious, accessible design enhance and extend the clarity of his exposition. Simon's compelling glimpses of these mighty geological phenomena will give readers a new understanding of and appreciation for the awesome forces of nature. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 4-6-- A visually outstanding book with large, high-quality, full-color photographs depicting earthquake damage on every page. The diagrams are simple and exceptionally clear. Adding variety are deep blue pages with the text in white print. Simplified, yet accurate, nontechnical language is used to describe the geologic processes that cause earthquakes, their impact on people, and some devastating historic events. Recommendations for avoiding injury are mentioned, but the statement that "The chances of your being hurt in a quake are very, very slight" may not be very reassuring considering the nature of the photographs and statistics. For beginners, all the basic facts are here in easily understood terms and pictures. Radlauer's Earthquakes (Childrens, 1987) uses many scientific terms and is for older readers. Earthquakes (Childrens, 1982) by Challand is not as current or of equal quality. Branley's Earthquakes (Crowell, 1990) is comparable, but its smaller format and color drawings do not have the same aesthetic appeal. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York CityCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.