Volcanoes and earthquakes topic books for KS2. This list includes fiction for class and group reading, reference books for the school libraries, resources for the classroom, engaging non-fiction for home learning and exciting life skills and survival guides. Authors include Ben Hubbard, Sophie Williams, Philip Pullman, Lauren St John, Caroline Lawrence, Anita Ganeri, Anne-Sophie Baumann and Meredith Hooper.
Volcanoes and earthquakes topic books for KS2 – our recommended titles
Earthquakes and Tsunamis by Ben Hubbard
Find out all about natural disasters and where, when and why they happen. This informative book is full of facts, diagrams and photographs for pupils to explore.
Natural Disasters by Johanna Haney
A book that’s certain to engage the minds of young people concerned about climate change, and how to prevent the damage it will cause. This vividly illustrated guide to natural disasters covers volcanoes, earthquakes, fires and more. Also included are STEM and STEAM activities for the classroom to help children understand the science behind disasters.
Earth Shattering Events by Sophie Williams
The perfect resource book for any KS2 topic about natural disasters. With clear and factual illustrations, all the forces of nature are revealed. Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis are explored in detail, and there are useful non-fiction narratives about the worst disasters. Read our full review.
Volcano and Earthquake by DK
With layouts and graphics that leap from the page, this reference book is ideal for KS2 libraries. From the largest volcano to the most active; from the ring of fire to Pompeii and San Francisco, the plethora of facts and figures combined with engaging photographs make this a sure-fire winner. There’s also an impressive wall chart included.
The Pebble in my Pocket by Meredith Hooper
An engaging and informative book that explains the origins of the earth. From the beginning of time it explores volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and mountain formation; and examines the processes of erosion through to smooth pebbles picked from the ground. Colourfully illustrated, with easy to follow text, this book is ideal for KS2 class libraries.
Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit
Join Tronio and Livia as they flee from the terrifying eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. Atmospheric and exciting, this is an excellent text to enliven geography lessons and topics on the Romans.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Sarah Courtauld
The classic Jules Verne adventure has been skillfully adapted for younger readers. Fully illustrated, the story follows a team of intrepid explorers as they travel into the bowels of a volcano and down a secret passage to the centre of the earth. This book is ideal for guided reading groups.
DK Find Out! Volcanoes
This award-winning book will be a classroom favourite. Every page is filled with details, and amazing facts and figures – all enhanced by breath-taking photography. The quizzes are useful for independent and peer assessment and there’s a useful glossary for word-level work in literacy lessons. There’s also a comprehensive website companion to the book that’s ideal for home learning.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes KS2 Geography by CGP
A very thorough and accessible introduction to volcanoes and earthquakes that includes facts, diagrams, photos and quirky jokes. For example, the earth is like a Cadbury Creme Egg. A great reference book for classroom libraries. There’s also a useful activity book, suitable for KS2 home learning.
The Ultimate Book of Planet Earth by Anne-Sophie Baumann
Learn all about mountains, volcanoes, weather and continents with this immersive hardback. Use the tabs, pop-ups and flaps to uncover how and why tectonic events happen. This book is a must-have for cross-curricular topic work.
The Big Earth Book by Mark Brake
A super resource book for many aspects of geography and science – and particularly volcanology. Organised into sections titles Earth, Fire, Air and Water – each chapter is comprehensive in terms of details, research and illustration. Guaranteed to keep inquisitive minds absorbed.
The Firework Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman
An ideal book to read around the class in KS2, with rich vocabulary to discuss and model in literacy lessons. Follow Lila as she leaves homes on a daring quest – facing many dangers – to discover the legendary secrets of being a Firework Maker.
Kidnap in the Caribbean by Lauren St John
In this fast-paced and thrilling adventure story, detective Laura faces not only a kidnap threat by a deadly gang but also sharks, pirates and an erupting volcano. Perfect for KS2 book clubs.
The Secrets of Vesuvius by Caroline Lawrence
Flavia, Gemina and her friends are staying near Pompeii. Whilst there, they discover a mysterious clue that hints at hidden treasure. Suddenly everything changes when Vesuvius erupts. Everyone has to run for their lives. Will they ever find the answers to the elusive clue? A gripping historical storybook for KS2 classroom libraries.
Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury
A thought-provoking novel about trust, self-reliance, leadership and overcoming fear. When an earthquake, followed by a tsunami devastates a scout troop camp in Hawaii, can Louis and Dylan settle their differences and plan a rescue? For advanced readers in upper KS2 or lower KS3.
You Wouldn’t Want to Live in Pompeii by David Antram
Full of fun facts, with easy to read bubble-style captions and cartoons. This is a useful book to provoke discussion and creative writing. The dangers of volcanic eruptions are explained, and the plight of survivors highlighted.
Earth Shattering Earthquakes by Anita Ganeri
One of the hugely popular Horrible Geography series. Full of useful facts about earthquakes, how to predict them and how to survive them. There are also lots of quirky and fun asides and laugh out loud illustrations. The accessible style makes this perfect for reluctant readers in KS2.
Violent Volcanoes by Anita Ganeri
Children will be transfixed by the prospect of a volcanic eruption, and the red hot lava that stops at nothing in its path. There are plenty of clearly explained facts as well as gory and startling details. Enhanced by fun illustrations, this is guaranteed to be a popular KS2 topic book.
Natural Disasters DIY Survival Manual by Ben Hubbard
Would you be able to survive an earthquake or tsunami? Could you outrun a volcanic eruption? This book will help to explain the answers and inform children about natural disasters, particularly why and how they occur and what action to take when they happen. This very informative and practical guide is bound to provoke discussion.
Volcanoes and earthquakes resources
- BBC Teach has a useful set of videos to support teaching earthquakes and volcanoes topics. in KS2.
- There’s also a series of resources, articles and topic guides from BBC Bitesize.
- The Royal Geographic Society has produced an excellent series of free resources covering earthquakes and volcanoes at KS2 level.
- STEM learning offers a range of activities that support geography and science learning in KS2, specifically focusing on the science of earthquakes and tectonic activity.
- National Geographic Kids has an engaging minisite and several online resources about volcanic facts that are especially well-suited to home learning and independent research.
- For higher ability pupils, this site from New Zealand presents a series of case studies on currently active volcanoes.
If you liked this list, you might also enjoy our exploration topic books list, I Ate Sunshine For Breakfast by Michael Holland, Dr Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Absolutely Everything by Christopher Lloyd, and The Big Green Activity Book by Damara Strong.
