Tornadoes and the Environment

Description: Tornadoes can cause a lot of damage to homes and other buildings. They can also damage the environment. Readers will learn how tornadoes affect land and wildlife and how nature can recover from these disasters.

Brief description: Marcia Amidon Lusted has written 200 books and over 600 magazine articles for young readers of all ages. She also writes and edits for adults and works in sustainable development. Visit www.adventuresinnonfiction.com for more about her books.

Review Quotes: This informative series introduces readers to natural disasters and their wide-ranging effects on people, animals, and the environment. Each volume explores a specific disaster, breaking it down into causes, environmental impact, human and animal consequences, and post-disaster recovery ­efforts. In Droughts and the Environment, readers learn what a drought is, how long it can last, and the toll it takes on habitats and communities. In Tornadoes and the Environment, topics include how tornadoes form, their levels of destruction, how they are measured, and how scientists track their patterns. Fact boxes highlight key concepts, while focused case studies, such as the Dust Bowl and the 1953 Worcester tornado, offer historical context. Stark, dramatic photos underscore the power and threat of these natural events. The back matter includes a glossary, an index, and resource lists. VERDICT A strong choice for building awareness of environmental ­science and disaster preparedness.--Cathy DeCampli, Haddonfield PL, NJ "School Library Journal"