The Author, Simon Winchester, discusses the violent situation of the tornado which hit South Dakota on June 23, 2002. He differentiates between a hurricane and a typhoon but considers a tornado as the national storm of America. This topic gives information about different states-such as Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana- that were touched by tornadoes. This topic highlights a photo of a tornado of South Dakota and Joplin. The satellite picture of a thunderstorm of Joplin is very important for high school students because it illustrates the last moments before a tornado form. Another important thing about this topic is EF, the measurement of the storm which calculates the rates of storm damage in the United States. I prefer to use this book for high school students studying biology and the environmental science. The details on tornadoes, the effects, data with measurement scale and scientific terms like EF scale (Enhanced Fujita), EFO, and EFI are all interesting, and an aerial map, considered as a GIS map currently, is shown too. Additionally, page 67 highlights the traditional names, spirits, communities, and powerful works of nature that are essential and interesting for the entire topic. ( )

Might be a little dense for fourth grade, but tons of details about the how and why things work, appreciated to index and recommended readings.

Nonficton Book Assignment ( )

In 2016, while weeding the juvenile nonfiction, I hit our majorly outdated weather section. "Nobody ever wants juvenile weather books" I thought. "I will get rid of the detritus and add new materials at my leisure".

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Guess what? The school has a new curriculum. They want lots and lots and lots and lots of weather books at all levels. I am getting new weather books now.

Fortunately, various review sources came through for me with lots of possibilities. I'm look at two very different titles, at different levels, from Penguin imprints today.

When the sky breaks, by journalist and adult author Simon Winchester, is aimed at strong middle grade readers. It explores storms, especially tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme weather, the science behind how they are formed, effects of climate change, and more. Extensive back matter supplements the already impressive amount of knowledge packed into the book. This book feels like a backyard enthusiast wandering through an interesting collection of facts and knowledge - which it largely is. Winchester talks about everything from his personal collection of barometers to weather phenomena in the Pacific ocean, including the economic and personal effects of weather along the way.

For younger readers, Penguin Core Concepts has a simpler but more organized approach. Warning: Wild Weather Ahead covers a lot of the same concepts but in simpler, more abbreviated form. Each spread covers a different phenomena; the water cycle, tornadoes, rainbows, etc. with a few extra facts on each page. There are no sources for these titles and they are illustrated with standard photography and have a simple, square layout. Beginning to intermediate readers will be able to tackle these "nonfiction storybooks."

Verdict: I would say these are both supplemental texts. When the sky breaks will appeal to strong readers who are interested in science and weather and want something that will spark off ideas for further research and exploration. Warning: Wild Weather Ahead is a good starter text for younger readers; the main drawback is that it is available only in paperback. If, like me, you are trying to rapidly expand a subject area I recommend both, although I am waiting to see if Warning: Wild Weather Ahead is available in prebind.

When the sky breaks
ISBN: 9780451476357; Published 2017 by Viking; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided by publisher

Warning: Wild weather ahead
ISBN: 9780448488738; Published 2017 by Grosset & Dunlap; Review copy provided by publisher