Chasing the Storm: Tornadoes, Meteorology, and Weather Watching

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Award-winning author and illustrator Ron Miller, provides an interesting window into the world of storm chasers and meteorologists with fascinating insights into tornadoes. Broken into six short chapters that include, a day in the life of a storm chaser, the makings of a tornado, what's going on with the weather, a meteorologist on the job, official weather watchers and being a storm chaser.

Detailed information on creating your own weather station is included in the back with instructions on how to make a rain gauge, wind gauge, wind vane, barometer, hygrometer and also what to include in a weather emergency kit. Back matter includes source notes, helpful glossary, selected bibliography, further information, excellent web sites, index, information about the author and photo acknowledgements.

Fascinating photographs, colorful maps and diagrams, along with interesting sidebars help break up the informational text. This book provides scientific information on severe weather and also provides first-hand accounts of the challenges of being a storm chaser. The dangers are not ignored, with information provided about three experienced storm chasers who were killed on the job.

Overall Book Score: very good