A gripping, well-researched account delves into the trifecta of catastrophes that occurred in Japan in March 2011: the magnitude-9 earthquake off the coast of the island of Honshu, the resulting tsunami, and the eventual meltdown of several reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Full-color photographs, diagrams, and graphs accompany clear, accessible explanations of the science behind earthquakes, tsunamis, and nuclear energy. Also covered are Japan’s innovative and extensive disaster-preparedness efforts, including earthquake-resistant technology; warning systems; and the concept of tendenko, which dictates that each individual ought to prioritize their own safety over others’ during a tsunami. Today, efforts to clear the area of nuclear waste continue, while people who lived in the area experience long-lasting physical and psychological effects. Notably, this riveting and informative account balances scientific material with personal and human stories of the disasters, including courageous efforts to save life before, during, and after the tragedy. (Age 11 and older)