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.