In a visual reference, readers can discover the inner workings of one of Earth's most terrifying natural phenomena as well as learn about some of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history.

Aurora, a young explorer, introduces the science and characteristics of volcanoes, discussing lava, tetonic plates, the creation of new land masses, and magma vents.

On May 18, 1980, eleven-year-old Jessie Marlowe and her best friends, Eddie and Sam, are in a forest near Mount St. Helens when the months of wondering whether the volcano will erupt are finally answered--all three are badly burned, but it is up to Jessie to protect the boys as best she can and hope that somebody comes to rescue them.