BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1991. Earthquakes. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688096336
SUMMARY
Seymour Simon gives factual information about the causes of earthquakes, how they are measured, what occurs during earthquakes, and where most earthquakes are more likely to occur and why. Simon also provides photographs of areas that have received noticeable earthquake damage, fault lines, and earthquake measuring and predicting technology. He also includes artistic models of plates and fault lines with colorful arrows to demonstrate how earthquakes occur and what happens during them, maps of the world which feature lines to illustrate concepts of platetectonics, and a colored-coded map of earthquake zones in the United States.
CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
Where do most earthquakes occur? They occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, in an earthquake zone known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. What is the name of the device used to measure the size of earthquakes? It is called a seismograph. Simon answers fundamental and relevant questions that children may ask about earthquakes in a manner that can easily be understood by younger audiences.
Simon takes the tone of an elementary science teacher as he carefully explains facts, pairing his words with relevant photos, illustrations of models, and maps. He uses boldly colored arrows to demonstrate the movements of plates rubbing against each other as they shift in various directions. He provides captions within the text to instruct the reader on where to look for a visual example of the fact he has given. There are also captions on the maps included to explain to the reader how to best interpret them. The author does not leave much room for confusion. However, a very young reader would need an adult to help them make more complex connections, such as what the different lines and dots on maps indicate. Simon does a wonderful job at providing teaching material to adult readers who may choose to base scientific lessons upon this text.
Simon does not par down the information he presents nor water down the language. He chooses to use proper scientific terms, like “tsunami”, “dip-slip fault” and “strike-slip fault” instead of coming up with funny, child-like terms or leaving out proper terms all together because they may be confusing. To reinforce the scientific terms he introduces, Simon reuses the terms, making sure to redefine the words in parentheses to remind the readers of their meanings. Children can be quizzed on the terms during oral reading sessions. An oral reader could ask the students to repeat the definition every time the term is read. For example, the oral reader will read a sentence that contains “strike-slip” and the students will be prompted to reply, “Side-to-side.” The book provides excellent opportunities for reader/audience interaction.
The text is loaded with facts and provides specific examples for most of the information given, such as: the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco happened during the World Series. The end of the book provides tips on what to do during an earthquake and provides a reassuring note to younger, more sensitive readers that it is unlikely that they will be hurt in an earthquake.
While Simon does not provide a list of sources at the end of his work, the informational material he presents is accurate. The book’s only noticeable flaws are reflections of its dated time of publication. Today, most children may have heard about the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti, which of course, would not be mentioned in a book printed in 1991. However, this book could be used as a tool for introducing and whetting young appetites for more educational information about earthquakes, and perhaps they will want to study and learn more about the most recent devastating earthquakes that have occurred. Projects can be created for them to update the material learned in this text. What would they choose to include? What new photographs have they seen that could enhance the text?
I was also a trifle disappointed that Simon made no mention of why the Pacific Ring of Fire was given such a name. I think children would be interested in learning about underwater volcanic eruptions that can trigger earthquakes and tsunamis. However, I do understand that the text presents a lot of facts that could be overwhelming to young readers, so Simon selected the most relevant information to date to best inform his audience about this topic.
Overall, Earthquakes is a wonderful, educational informational book that children will enjoy, from its presentation of facts paired with relevant examples, models and photography of earthquake aftermaths to its slick pages, and large, bold, easy-to-read print.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
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--Publishers Weekly.
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 City--School Library Journal.
Another good Simon book about our natural and unnatural landscape. The Simon style--impressive photos, lucid text--works well here, clearly showing how shifting tectonic plates can play havoc with manmade structures. Maps show where, drawings show how, and vivid color photos lend dramatic reality. Simon concludes with advice on what to do in a quake, plus a comforting note: the chances of being hurt are slight. (Nonfiction. 7-12) --Kirkus Reviews
This informational treasure will draw science enthusiasts and browsers alike. -- Booklist
CONNECTIONS
Children who love reading factual information about natural disasters will love the following titles.
Simon, Seymour. 2001. Tornadoes. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780064437912
Simon, Seymour. 2007. Hurricanes. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780061170713
Though, the reading level for this title is for an audience a bit older than the ones given for the previous book, this title is still an excellent factual source for a natural disaster children will find interesting.
Lauber, Patricia. 1993. Volcano: The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helen’s. New York: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 9780689716799
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