I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens - 1980 (I Survived #14)

I love this series, but this book is extra special because of the story behind it. Lauren wrote the I Survived series for her three boys who disliked reading. She wanted stories for boys, with boy heroes. She succeeded so well that girls started asking for heroes too. In book 14 Lauren came through with Jess, but she didn’t forget boys. Jess and a pair of twin boys visit Mount. St. Helens eight weeks before the eruption. They’re trying to track down the truth about Skeleton Woman, but the mountain’s already changing. An earthquake and Sulphur gas send the kids home, but without Jess’ camera, her dead father’s most valuable possession. Jess can’t return for it until the day of the eruption. Read how our three heroes survive the horrors of a volcanic eruption. And for me, the best part is when Jess’s mom reveals that most valuable possession. It’s not a surprise, but it’s oh so sweet!
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PS- You’ll also learn the truth about Skeleton Woman.

The author does well blending the human elements of good friends with the science of the volcano. This adds the element of concern that all come out OK in the end. I also enjoyed the drama of Skelton woman! Even with living with Volcanoes my whole life and losing property and a cabin to a lava flow it was still interesting to learn about a very different type of volcano.

I bought this for my 4th grade daughter, who loves the series. She really enjoyed the life-like description of a modern-day volcanic explosion. She also enjoyed the series's first female protagonist. Saving these books for my son to read as well.

This series is well written for children to be able to understand and comprehend actual events. This was one story I could tell my grandson about because my brother lived out there when this happened. She makes complex events easy to understand.

My daughter loves these books and has read every one. She is very excited that there is a girl as the main character here (so excited to get it in her hands). In fact, it is the one thing that she questions every time a new book in this series is released - why aren't there more girl main characters? It's all boys and the girl is always younger and less able -- frustrating to a very able 8 year old girl.