Meltdown: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima

Gr 6-8–The mechanics and impact of nuclear power generation in Japan are explored in this chronological account of the devastation wrought by the Tohoku earthquake, resultant tsunami, and nuclear meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in March 2011. The text features information from databases, books, websites, and media reports. From geological facts to chemistry concepts to technologies, Langeland explains the days-long series of catastrophic events that sparked the nuclear power plant meltdown. Labeled diagrams and photographs enhance the thorough presentation of facts. The clear scientific information is of encyclopedic quality, and an insightful concluding chapter shares lessons learned from these disasters. The survivors’ accounts add a much-needed sense of context to the enormous amount of information but appear at irregular intervals, which dilute the opportunity for a stronger emotive connection for readers. An extensive bibliography, a glossary, a time line, and an index are included.