To ancient peoples, volcanic eruptions represented the wrath of angry gods or goddesses. Today, the inner workings of the Earth are far less mysterious, if still terrifying. This alluring volume demystifies the science of volcanism for elementary readers, explaining how magma forms, the part plate tectonics plays in eruptions, and what we can learn by looking at a volcano’s shape. Also covered are some of the most famous eruptions in history. Accompanying diagrams illustrate Earth’s inner layers, while images showcase the range of effects volcanoes can have on their surroundings, encouraging readers to consider the extent of nature’s fiery fury.