We might think humans have control over our environment, but Mother Nature has proven us wrong again and again.

Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain: 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 for 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.

Judy Dodge Cummings is a writer and former history teacher from Reedsburg, Wisconsin. She has a MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Teens from Hamline University and is the author of numerous nonfiction books on historical topics. Her other books in the Mayhem and Mystery series are Great Escapes: Real Tales of Harrowing Getaways and Rebels & Revolutions: Real Tales of Radical Change in America.