Book Review I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 (I Survived #14) (14)

This riveting historical fiction plunges readers directly into the terrifying 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens through the eyes of eleven-year-old Jessie Marlowe. The narrative masterfully builds suspense from the first page, capturing the months of anxious waiting before the cataclysmic event, and then delivers a heart-pounding survival story as Jessie and her two friends are caught in the blast zone. Lauren Tarshis's immersive writing makes volcanic science and history feel immediate and personal, transforming a well-known natural disaster into a gripping, character-driven adventure. Young readers will feel the ash in the air and the desperation of the situation as the mountain finally explodes.

What sets this book apart is its focus on resilience and leadership, as the badly burned Jessie must summon incredible courage to protect her friends while hoping for rescue. The story provides a powerful exploration of emergency preparedness and the human spirit under duress, making it an exceptional choice for readers who devour survival tales or are fascinated by earth science and historical events. It’s a sobering yet ultimately inspiring account that highlights quick thinking and loyalty in the face of a devastating natural disaster, leaving a lasting impression about the power of courage and friendship.