Chasing Eruptions: How Volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft Helped Save 60,000 Lives—But Lost Their Own

Gr 5-8–On the last day of their lives, volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft stood ­facing an ash flow rolling down Mount ­Unzen in Japan, an onslaught of hot ash and gas too powerful and fast to outrun. But this book is not about their tragic and untimely deaths; it is a chronicle of their extraordinary lives, from chasing their childhood dreams of studying volcanoes to meeting and falling in love as university students to documenting the secrets of volcanoes and educating others about their hazards. The narrative presents a balanced view of the couple’s lives, recounting their many successes but also their failures, and the rhythmic text, written in verse, heightens the ­drama. ­Sidebars tell the stories of eruption ­survivors, offering readers a sobering glimpse into the devastating impact of volcanoes. The illustrations, colored in shades of red and gray and rendered in Roy’s signature style, add excitement and complement the subject matter. Along with the author’s own expertise in geology, a bibliography of credible sources and vetting of the text by scientists assure readers of the book’s accuracy. Extensive back matter includes sources for further learning, details about the science of volcanoes, and tips for aspiring volcanologists.