Shake, Rattle, and.....

 Earthquakes

Author: Sally M. Walker

Publisher: Lerner Classroom

Year: 2007

ISBN: 9780822579946

Plot Summary:

Love waves often cause the most damage to buildings. Body waves either move like a slinky being pulled across a tabletop or wiggle like a rope that has one end tied to a tree while the other end is shaken up and down or side to side.  The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale describes the intensity (amount of damage) caused by these waves. No, we’re not talking about the ocean in this wonderfully descriptive and comprehensive book written by Sally M. Walker.

Walker uses actual photographs and personal accounts to add personal interest and authenticity to this fact filled book about earthquakes. The index makes it easy for students to glean important information from the well written and informative text while graphs, charts, and illustrations further explain pertinent information in an easily understood format. The logical sequencing leads the reader from the why, what, where and how in an orderly and succinct manner while the glossary of terms explains unfamiliar terminology.

Critical Analysis:

The 2007 version of the 1996 book is updated with more current photos and information. The additional section called Be a Word Detective is at the beginning of the book to encourage children to find pertinent terms while the glossary at the back of the book gives added tools for comprehension. The note to adults discusses the best way to gain the most out of the reading experience by encouraging adults to ask questions in order to ensure comprehension, become a vocabulary detective by searching for the words found in the glossary and using the index to review facts. The learn more about earthquakes page offers other books to read and websites to access that are age appropriate and informative. 

Review Excerpts:

A clearly written text and powerful full-color photographs make this a fascinating overview.This book is informative enough for reports, yet readable and visually appealing to browsers. A good glossary and index are appended. Eunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL School Library Journal

Connections:

Read the book then access the websites for further information. Create a poster to compare and contrast the information that was learned from the websites and additional books.

Create a simple seismograph and demonstrate how it takes readings by simulating an earthquake.  You can do this by having the children walk, jump, run, or jog around the room. Observe the different readings that coincide with the different paces.