Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis: headline-making natural disasters with devastating consequences for millions of people. But what do we actually know about these literally earth-shaking events? In this exciting launch title for Penguin Young Readers Group/Smithsonian Books, New York Times bestselling author, explorer, journalist, and geologist Simon Winchester tells the gripping story of what happens when the earth shakes, explodes, or floods. Winchester—who’s been rattled awake by earthquakes in New Zealand, skied through Greenland to help prove the theory of plate tectonics, and even charred the soles of his boots climbing live volcanoes—looks at the science, technology, and societal impact of these inter-connected natural phenomena. Stunning geological and historical images from the Smithsonian, handy maps and charts, and on-the-scene photos from the author’s personal collection richly support this compelling nonfiction narrative.