Witness one of the most incredible natural events in modern history: the birth of a brand-new island. Early on a cold November morning in 1963, the crew of a fishing boat off the coast of Iceland noticed something strange. The air smelled of sulfur, and the ocean was swirling violently. Suddenly, a massive underwater volcano erupted, spewing red-hot lava and thick ash miles into the sky. By the very next morning, the cinder cone of the volcano had broken through the surface of the water, creating the newest piece of land on Earth. Named Surtsey, this fiery new island became a living laboratory for scientists. This fascinating non-fiction book takes you right to the edge of the smoking crater, exploring how the island was formed and how the very first plants and animals managed to make it their home. Packed with dramatic details and incredible science, this is a thrilling true story about the raw, unstoppable power of our planet.