Barone, Rebecca E. F. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens. Holt, 05/2024. 173pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-88165-6. GRADES 7–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
The 1980 eruption of the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state is recounted in this well-researched and compelling example of narrative nonfiction. Using a tone similar to that of a novel, the author uses quotations from many witnesses to show how the tragedy of the response to this disaster could have been avoided. The event is relevant to similar earthquakes and other disasters in California, so this will be useful as well as engaging. Unfortunately, the book design is not as helpful as the text, because the publisher chose to only feature photos online; the actual book only has a map and a list of sources, but no source notes or index. Readers will have to use a phone or computer to view the photos to benefit from their significant clarifying information, which limits the usefulness of the book.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool