
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain: Real Tales of Temperamental Elements
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain: Real Tales of Temperamental Elements
Related Books
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain
Real Tales of Temperamental Elements
We might think humans have control over our environment, but Mother Nature has proven us wrong again and again. Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water: Real Tales of Temperamental Elements tells the story of five of America's deadliest natural disasters that were made worse by human error, ignorance, and greed. From a raging Midwest wildfire in 1871
$9.95 - $19.95Survival
Real Tales of Endurance in the Face of Disaster
Tales of survival are as old as humanity! In Survival: True Stories, the second book of the Mystery & Mayhem series, readers discover accounts of survival that required innovation, a thirst for adventure, and even a bit of brutality.
$9.95 - $19.95Pirates and Shipwrecks
Real Tales of Terror on the High Seas
Pirates and Shipwrecks: True Stories is the first in a new series for 9–12 year olds called Mystery & Mayhem, which features true tales that whet kids' appetites for history by engaging them in genres with proven track records–mystery and adventure. History is made of near misses, unexplained disappearances, unsolved mysteries, and bizarre events that
$9.95 - $19.95Rebels and Revolutions
Real Tales of Radical Change in America
Traitors. Agitators. Rabble-rousers. Throughout American history, people who work to radically change society have been criticized, arrested, and even killed. Rebels and Revolutions: Real Tales of Radical Change in America for ages 9 to 12 explores the lives of five firebrands who used muskets and marches, boycotts and lawsuits in their struggle for justice.
$9.95 - $19.95Reviews
2019 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Award Winner Recommended title – Junior-level
SWON Libraries
I really liked this book especially for hi/lo or reluctant readers. Easy to pick up and put down or dive into and read a chunk all at once. Great glossary and resources listed in the book and the website for Nomad Press has teachers guides to expand learning possibilities. Book suggests it is written for ages 10-13 but I think it could be used for older students as an introduction to new subjects. Recommended: Yes; Reading Level: Grades 4th grade and up ****
School Library Connection
“This series will engage middle grade readers with intriguing retellings of diseases, disasters, and explosions. Each book contains an introduction followed by five chapters, with well-told stories that unearth specifics even the most knowledgeable readers likely haven’t heard of—even if the basic facts, dates, or figures of the past are generally well known. Topics include Black Sunday, the blowout on the Deepwater Horizon, and the Spanish flu. The narratives are packed full of descriptive, graphic, and sometimes even gruesome details, but the chapters are broken into manageable sections that make the information easier to digest. A map and timeline begin each chapter, but only a smattering of photographs accompany the text. Additional Resources. Glossary. Recommended.”
VOYA Magazine, April 2018 Issue
"Dodge Cummings uses lively narratives in a style that will engage readers. She makes a crisis notable by highlighting individuals and moments, such as the preservation of Father Pernin’s tabernacle in the 1871 fire that devastated Peshtigo, Wisconsin, told in Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain . . . These are fascinating, enjoyable books well worth having in any library collection serving young readers."
Booklist, April 2018
"Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain explores catastrophes caused by all elements, from the fire that decimated Peshtigo, Wisconsin in 1871 to the Dust Bowl of 1935; many of these natural events were worsened by human involvement . . . Even for non-history buffs, interest is bound to be piqued."
Always in the Middle
"If you were expecting a post about the iconic musical group adding some rain to their band, you won’t find it here. What you will discover is another fantastic Mystery and Mayhem title written with flare by author Judy Dodge Cummings. One of the classic Earth, Wind, and Fire hits was “Shining Star” and this new Mystery and Mayhem title certainly fits that description."
Teacher Resources

Classroom Guides
For educators! Download a packet of essential questions, mentor texts, and Common Core State Standards to use in classrooms and libraries.
Classroom Guide
Collections
Looking for more? Take a look at related books in these collections!
Detailed Book Description
We might think humans have control over our environment, but Mother Nature has proven us wrong again and again.
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water: Real Tales of Temperamental Elements tells the story of five of America's deadliest natural disasters that were made worse by human error, ignorance, and greed. From a raging Midwest wildfire in 1871 or a surprise blizzard that brought New Yorkers to their knees, to the flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the Dust Bowl, humans have served as their own worst enemies when it comes to preparing and dealing with sudden destruction. The Mystery and Mayhem series delves into fascinating tidbits of history to provide kids with a jumping-off point into a lifelong habit of appreciating history. Kids ages 10 to 13 love reading these real-life disasters!
- The book introduces key turning points in American history and some basic elements of meteorology, seismology, forestry, and agronomy.
- This nonfiction title explores post-Civil War industrial expansion and the Great Depression, key eras in American history.
- High-interest narrative nonfiction books are popular with middle grade students and educators because of the potential to engage low-interest readers with captivating action and compelling characters.
Hardcover, $19.95 9781619306264 |
Paperback, $9.95 9781619306288 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
When Disaster Strikes
Chapter One
Eden Burning
Chapter Two
Great White Hurricane
Chapter Three
Wall of Water
Chapter Four
Quake and Flame
Chapter Five
Black Sunday
Glossary
Resources