Reviewed by Kathie Owens
Assistant Professor
One of the series in The Weather Watcher’s Library, this book examines the development, structure, destructive capabilities, and significance of hurricanes. Topics described in the book’s chapters include: the birth of a hurricane, a hurricane’s anatomy, wind/water destruction, hurricane prediction, and safety during these storms. The book concludes with a glossary of terms, suggestions for further reading (books), resources (including websites), and a topic index. Other features of the book include full-page, full-color pictures; several detailed diagrams; and charts that organize information.
For the most part, the author does a goodjob of describing the complex science processes behind the formation of hurricanes. One exception, in my opinion, is his description of the Coriolis effect, which does not explain thoroughly why winds curve differently in the northern and southern hemispheres. The diagram showing the eye of the storm is detailed and clearly labeled; it’s unfortunate that the text can’t show an animation to make it clear to the reader the nature of the rising, low pressure conditions within this part of the storm. The radar picture with its distinctive colors does make a useful addition to the diagram.
The author uses the story of the Galveston hurricane of 1900 as an example of the destruction that hurricanes cause along shorelines. Middle school students like such accounts and would enjoy reading other human-interest stories of hurricane survivors, especially if these stories relate to storms from more recent times. Another topic of interest to middle school readers is the work of the hurricane hunters, whose work helps predict accurately the path of the hurricane. The author makes a clear distinction between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning, lists items to have on hand if the storm threatens, and offers sound evacuation advice. The reading level of the book is appropriate for upper elementary and middle grades students, although pages of solid text may be difficult for struggling readers.
Review posted on 12/26/2000
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