Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis: headline-making natural disasters with devastating consequences for millions of people. But what do we actually know about these literally earth-shaking events? In this exciting launch title for Penguin Young Readers Group/Smithsonian Books, New York Times bestselling author, explorer, journalist, and geologist Simon Winchester tells the gripping story of what happens when the earth shakes, explodes, or floods. Winchester-who's been rattled awake by earthquakes in New Zealand, skied through Greenland to help prove the theory of plate tectonics, and even charred the soles of his boots climbing live volcanoes-looks at the science, technology, and societal impact of these inter-connected natural phenomena. Stunning geological and historical images from the Smithsonian, handy maps and charts, and on-the-scene photos from the author's personal collection richly support this compelling nonfiction narrative.

Headline-making natural disasters with devastating consequences for millions of people. But what do we actually know about these literally earth-shaking events?

About the Author
Simon Winchester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman. His recent titles include Atlantic and The Men Who United the States. Winchester was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to journalism and literature.

Learn more at simonwinchester.com.

Reviews

Praise for When the Earth Shakes:

* "Powerful writing. . . The visuals, too, are strong. Spectacular photographs are included. . . A must-buy for libraries serving middle school, this title works both as a basic overview of earth science and as a fine example of how to incorporate personal narrative into nonfiction." -School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for Simon Winchester:

"Simon Winchester never disappoints . . . Inspiring and engaging." -Tom Brokaw on The Men Who United the States

"Elegant and scrupulous." -New York Times Book Review on The Professor and the Madman

"Winchester once again demonstrates a keen knack for balancing rich and often rigorous historical detail with dramatic tension and storytelling." -Publishers Weekly, starred review of Krakatoa

"Winchester brings a knowledge as vast and deep as his subject to this history of the Atlantic Ocean." -Entertainment Weekly on Atlantic

"As with every book he's written and narrated, Winchester makes abstruse subjects available and fascinating for every reader and listener." -Publishers Weekly, starred review on The Man Who Loved China

Book Information
ISBN 9780670785360
Author Simon Winchester
Format Hardback
Page Count 80
Imprint Viking Juvenile
Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
Weight(grams) 574g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 270mm * 12mm