Earthquakes (Informational)

This book was written by Seymour Simon and published by Morrow Junior Books in 1991. It's recommended for fourth grade.


This informational book describes the phenomenon of earthquakes, how they happen, how much damage cane result from them, and informs readers on how earthquakes can be predicted. The most memorable earthquakes of all time are also included.


Earthquakes by Seymour Simon is a good choice in informational books for children because the text is clear and interesting with appropriate vocabulary. The content is sequenced in order by date, and Simon takes readers from familiar information to new, maybe unknown information about earthquakes. Many historical earthquakes were included with great detail along with real photographs from the damage. Simon has great reviews from Publishers Weekly, the School Library Journal, and Booklist.

After reading this book, quiz the students on these discussion questions:

1. How many times a year does our earth have an earthquake?
2. What part of the earth is where most earthquakes take place?
3. What holds rocks in place for years before they break?
4. What is a dip-slip fault?
5. Where are the major earthquake zones in the United States?
6. What is the San Andreas Fault?
7. What instrument do scientists use to measure earthquake shocks?
8. What do scientists use to measure an earthquakes magnitude?
9. How big must an earthquake register on the Richter Scale to be considered a major quake?
10. What are you supposed to do if an earthquake comes?

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.