(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. The 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood that resulted in over two thousand deaths is surveyed in a brief, occasionally repetitive text. The book recounts the construction--and eventual failure--of the South Fork Dam, includes anecdotal information about those caught in the flood, and explains how the town recovered from tragedy. Adequately reproduced color photos and reproductions add drama. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Attack concisely encapsulates the events of September 11, 2001, as well as its aftermath, including the emergence of new national heroes and the declared war on terrorism. Triangle recounts, in somewhat repetitive prose, the infamous 1911 factory fire that killed more than one hundred workers in New York City. Both series books are illustrated with photos that lack clarity. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these American Disasters titles: Atack on America and Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Eyewitness accounts form the bulk of this description of the 1980 eruption at Mount St. Helens. The focus of this book is squarely on disaster--descriptions and photographs of the eruption are framed in terms of those lucky enough to escape the blast and those who lost their lives. Only a few obligatory paragraphs explain the causes of volcanic activity. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Focusing on the epidemic of the early 1950s, the book concisely describes how the disease affected American society as a whole, discusses the experiences of individual polio victims, and explains how Salk's vaccine was developed. However, the volume fails to fully explore the scientific aspects of the disease and its transmission. Historical photographs illustrate the text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. The hurried text explains how the abandoned canal in Niagara Falls, New York, came to be a dumping ground for chemical waste, how it negatively affected the health of area residents, and what attempts the Environmental Protection Agency made to remedy the situation. The accompanying grainy color photographs are sometimes generic in nature. A chart listing other international chemical disasters is included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Concise volumes describe three disasters in recent American history and examine their causes and consequences. Because of the nature of these events, The Challenger Disaster is the most focused volume; the other disasters were so widespread that the books provide vignettes, rather than full portraits. The accompanying color portraits sometimes lack clarity but still make an impact. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Concise volumes describe three disasters in recent American history and examine their causes and consequences. Because of the nature of these events, The Challenger Disaster is the most focused volume; the other disasters were so widespread that the books provide vignettes, rather than full portraits. The accompanying color portraits sometimes lack clarity but still make an impact. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Concise volumes describe three disasters in recent American history and examine their causes and consequences. Because of the nature of these events, The Challenger Disaster is the most focused volume; the other disasters were so widespread that the books provide vignettes, rather than full portraits. The accompanying color portraits sometimes lack clarity but still make an impact. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Concise volumes describe recent American disasters that resulted in loss of life and had far-reaching social ramifications. Though well-documented, the texts are sometimes incomplete and contain minor errors. The accompanying color photographs are emotionally affecting but occasionally lack clarity. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Concise volumes describe recent American disasters that resulted in loss of life and had far-reaching social ramifications. Though well-documented, the texts are sometimes incomplete and contain minor errors. The accompanying color photographs are emotionally affecting but occasionally lack clarity. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Concise volumes describe recent American disasters that resulted in loss of life and had far-reaching social ramifications. Though well-documented, the texts are sometimes incomplete and contain minor errors. The accompanying color photographs are emotionally affecting but occasionally lack clarity. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. These books examine six disasters--three natural and three caused by human intent or neglect--that occurred within the United States during the past decade. The simple texts describe the events, their causes and consequences, how individuals and communities were affected, and what steps have been taken to improve safety in possible future occurrences. The dramatic color photos sometimes lack clarity but won't fail to draw readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. These books examine six disasters--three natural and three caused by human intent or neglect--that occurred within the United States during the past decade. The simple texts describe the events, their causes and consequences, how individuals and communities were affected, and what steps have been taken to improve safety in possible future occurrences. The dramatic color photos sometimes lack clarity but won't fail to draw readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. These books examine six disasters--three natural and three caused by human intent or neglect--that occurred within the United States during the past decade. The simple texts describe the events, their causes and consequences, how individuals and communities were affected, and what steps have been taken to improve safety in possible future occurrences. The dramatic color photos sometimes lack clarity but won't fail to draw readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 American Disasters series. These books examine six disasters--three natural and three caused by human intent or neglect--that occurred within the United States during the past decade. The simple texts describe the events, their causes and consequences, how individuals and communities were affected, and what steps have been taken to improve safety in possible future occurrences. The dramatic color photos sometimes lack clarity but won't fail to draw readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. These books examine six disasters--three natural and three caused by human intent or neglect--that occurred within the United States during the past decade. The simple texts describe the events, their causes and consequences, how individuals and communities were affected, and what steps have been taken to improve safety in possible future occurrences. The dramatic color photos sometimes lack clarity but won't fail to draw readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. These books examine six disasters--three natural and three caused by human intent or neglect--that occurred within the United States during the past decade. The simple texts describe the events, their causes and consequences, how individuals and communities were affected, and what steps have been taken to improve safety in possible future occurrences. The dramatic color photos sometimes lack clarity but won't fail to draw readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta