This week, the volcano within Mount Etna erupted in Italy, shooting an ash cloud into the sky and scaring tourists. Thanks to modern technology, news of natural disasters can travel faster than it did in the past. Some argue that these natural disasters are happening more than ever before. The truth is that there are more than 1,500 active volcanoes like Mount Etna on Earth, and 50-70 of those erupt every year. Let’s review what happened and then go over some books that can help readers learn a little more about volcanoes and the role they play in our planet’s fragile ecosystem.
Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano in Italy near Catania. The Italian Association of Volcanology notes that Etna exhibited behavior in early May that “contributed to significantly [changing] the morphology of the Southeast Crater.” The INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) said it was likely prompted by “a collapse of material from the northern flank of the Southeast Crater.”
The plume crested at 6.5 kilometers high, then transitioned to a lava fountain, momentarily prompting authorities to issue a red aviation alert. Shortly after, the alert was dropped to orange, and then yellow, where it currently stands for “volcano in a state of potential disequilibrium.” Given that this is a volcano that erupts persistently, monitoring its activity is a constant process.
In an effort to learn more about volcanoes, we can always turn to literature. With so many active volcanoes on Earth, there is a range of books that discuss how they work, stories recounting their history, and in-depth reviews of the scientists who study them. The following books range from elementary readers to middle-grade and adult nonfiction to satisfy our hungry minds.
I’m a Volcano! by Bridget Heos, Illustrated by Mike Ciccotello
Simple and engaging, elementary readers will love the colorful illustrations and learning about one of Earth’s greatest marvels. Personifying the volcano makes this an adorable book that draws readers in. Included in the back matter is a list of volcanoes being monitored, famous volcanoes that have shaped our earth, and a diagram of a volcano.
Eruption! Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives by Elizabeth Rusch, Photographs by Tom Uhlman
This nonfiction informational book, filled with photographs and sidebars, reveals the real-life work of scientists from the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP) and the volcanoes they study. Through the book, we get to see how scientists work to predict future eruptions, saving lives along the way. Clear photos, excellent captions, and extensive vocabulary are sure to excite any volcanic enthusiast.
Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit
Follow Tranio and his friend Livia as this historical fiction takes you through their experience of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. While the characters are fictional, this touching story of the most famous volcanic eruption factually depicts ancient Rome. The artwork from Christina Balit is gorgeous, and there’s bonus material, including a map of the region, historical background, and a recount of the discovery in 1748 for further reading after the story.
Science Comics: Volcanoes: Fire and Life by Jon Chad
A fun graphic novel for late-elementary and middle-grade readers, they will love following a story of a frozen-over Earth and the people who inhabit it. As Aurora looks for ways to heat her community, she discovers volcanoes and tries to educate others, and in turn the audience, telling them about the types of volcanoes and how they are formed. The science is presented clearly, concisely, and in an engaging manner, with starkly drawn illustrations.
Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded by Simon Winchester
This popular retelling of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa dives deep into the history of this unusually loud and explosive eruption. Heard from over 3,000 miles away, the effect was felt globally as its ash limited crops and influenced painters. Not for the faint of heart, this meandering account — as is Simon Winchester’s style — gives us an interesting perspective from a geologist’s point of view.
Volcano: Nature and Culture by James Hamilton
Art historian James Hamilton put together a beautifully illustrated book, allowing his passion for volcanoes to shine. He compiles historical depictions of early eruptions of Vesuvius and Etna, drawing on Greek and Roman mythology. Through his artistic lens, he examines the earliest-known wall painting of an erupting volcano, dating back to 6200 BC, as well as the works of Andy Warhol and Michael Sandle, and 21st-century art.
Eruptions that Shook the World by Clive Oppenheimer
Take a deep dive into the forensic analysis of past eruptions with rich geological, historical, archaeological, and palaeoenvironmental records that tell the stories of some of Earth’s greatest eruptions. Heavy on the Science, your dictionary app will be pulled up consistently as you look up Geology terms you didn’t know.
Fire & Ice: The Volcanoes of the Solar System by Natalie Starkey
An honorable mention here, because who doesn’t want to know more about space volcanoes? Journey through space to find volcanoes of the solar system and how they differ from the ones on our own terrestrial planet. I love that this book goes in-depth into what volcanoes on different planets dredge up from their own inner cores.
Volcanic eruptions are as humbling as they are awe-inspiring. When we take the time to learn about something that scares us, they don’t seem as terrifying anymore. As we reflect on Mount Etna’s eruption, it’s a great time to remind ourselves that there is so much more going on at the core.
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Find these books and more on our Groundbreaking Natural Disaster Books that Any Reader Would Love bookshelf at Bookshop.org.
