Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens

Gr 5 Up–Right from the prologue, author and scientist Barone captivates readers with this narrative nonfiction account from real people involved in the events surrounding the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Barone also weaves in scientific facts and explanations of certain indicators of volcanic activity in an accessible informative manner for younger audiences. Dramatic tension, whether in the writing, the actual event, or both, builds as readers see the cascade of incidents happen in what feels like real time. Knowing the eventual conclusion of this series of events does not overshadow the uncertainty and unease felt by scientists, law enforcement, tourists, or residents of the area throughout the unpredictable nature and final eruption of the mountain looming above them. Told in a narrative approach, the accounts make readers feel as if they are part of the details and events being shared; this presses the point that some of the people involved could actually be someone readers know. A trigger warning may be necessary: the real-life aftermath of this tragic event is the loss of many lives and the destruction of many communities.