Because the author must set the stage for an educational discussion on Mount St. Helens, most of the characters are ignorant of the mountain’s true nature and astonished to discover that their favorite mountain is not dormant, but still very active and dangerous. As Mr. Rowan comments vaguely, “I figured it was the kind of volcano that was dead, or whatever that word is…” and Mom chimes in, “But it’s always been so peaceful” (32). Their surprise highlights how unpredictable nature can be: Even though the mountain has been calm for decades, it suddenly poses a great danger to locals. Dr. Morales explains that in nature, not all is what it seems, noting that Mount St. Helens can essentially “wake up” at any time. He tells the families, “It has been perfectly quiet, for one hundred and twenty-three years… But St. Helens is the most active volcano in the west” (32). This conversation stresses that much of nature’s potential is hidden from human perception.

Jess shares her mother and friends’ surprise about the volcano, and like them, she has always perceived the mountain as a calm place for play and exploration. Whether she was “hiking its winding trails, diving into its cold lakes, [or] fishing for trout in its streams” (39-41), she never had reason to think of it as a danger zone, and even with her new knowledge about its volcanic activity, she is shocked and saddened by the sudden destruction of the eruption—so much so that she is unsure “if she ever wanted to go back” (92). With vivid imagery, the author describes the many miles of wilderness that “had been burned, ripped apart, or buried under a hundred feet of mud and debris” and the “[m]illions of trees […] killed by the burning wind” (92). With this grand, sweeping overview of the catastrophic changes wrought by this single event, the author shows that the natural world’s changes can often be violent rather than gradual. By alternating between scientific examples and colorful descriptions, the author conveys the idea that natural disasters can take people by surprise and change landscapes in an instant.

Courage in Times of Crisis

In Tarshis’s novel, many of the characters demonstrate considerable courage in the face of extreme hardship and danger, whether they are on personal adventures or dealing with much more serious situations. Throughout the novel, the author introduces a number of scenes that require the young characters to overcome their trepidation about the world around them in order to reach their goals—and in the case of the eruption, to survive. 

One courageous character is Sam Rowan, who openly seeks out situations that allow him to face and overcome his fears. Even in the beginning of the story, his bold personality and “fearless streak” prompt him to accept his classmates’ dare to hike to Skeleton Woman’s shack, and as the three friends journey into the woods, he remains alert for whatever adventures await, saying, “This is going to be fun” (12). Along with his brother and Jess, he ventures into unknown places purely to explore them, and this enterprising spirit helps provide the motivating factor that leads the three children into the woods in time to experience the initial earthquake.

On a grander scale, Dr. Timothy Morales shows great courage on a daily basis, for his job as a seismologist requires him to work in dangerously close proximity to the restless volcano. As he tells the children about his job, their astonishment highlights the extent of the risks that he takes. Eddie incredulously asks him, “You actually go into the crater?” and Dr. Morales replies, “I go to the edge […]. I can only stay for a few seconds because it’s so hot. And I have to get away quickly because if a steam explosion happens while I’m there…well…” (51). When Sam finishes the doctor’s sentence by stating, “You’d be toast,” (51), the author uses lightly phrased wording that nonetheless conveys the high stakes involved in seismology.

While Dr. Morales’s experience shows that some people must show courage in pursuit of their jobs, Jess’s mother demonstrates a very different kind of courage as she doggedly pursues her responsibilities as a single parent in the aftermath of her husband’s death. She proves to be a strong role model to Jess, often reassuring her in fearful moments, and after the earthquake, Mom makes the difficult decision to sell the family diner and move to Seattle to build a new life. Rather than remaining in a lifestyle that no longer serves her or her daughter, she pursues her dream of being a teacher in the city and forges a new path for herself and her family. 

Most notable, however, is Jess’s bravery in the midst of the volcano’s sudden eruption. Faced with the difficult choice of staying with her injured friends or leaving to find help, Jess decides to risk her own safety by leaving the relative safety of the pit and venturing out into the ashy, wind-ravaged world. Her ability to overcome her fear and exhaustion show her underlying courage, and she willfully ignores her own pain and discomfort in her efforts to save her friends. As the narrative states, “She crouched down on the hot, ashy ground, too exhausted to even cry. Every inch of her body ached. Her lungs burned from the ash. She had never imagined that she could be so thirsty…No! She forced herself to stand up. […] She had to keep going” (82). Ultimately, Jess’s courage helps her to claim a positive outcome from the crisis, as she soon secures a rescue for herself and the twins. By exploring the many different facets of courage, the author indicates that this trait is a key part of the story.