Elaine Scott's BURIED ALIVE! reviewed in Kirkus, Children's Literature and School Library Journal

Elaine Scott's Buried Alive! HOW 33 MINERS SURVIVED 69 DAYS DEEP UNDER THE CHILEAN DESERT (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) came out in April. Here are some of the reviews this riveting story received:

Kirkus Reviews --

On August 5, 2010, a copper mine in Chile collapsed, trapping 33 miners nearly half a mile underground. Shifting the focus back and forth between the plight of the buried miners and the rescue efforts underway at the surface, Scott creates a riveting tale. She describes the choices the miners' strong leader advised that prolonged their survival long enough to be rescued and the creative solutions that effected that rescue. They drilled through over 2,000 feet of especially hard rock, delivered supplies to the trapped men through a tiny bore hole and then invented a way to carry the men, one at a time, to the surface in a very small capsule. Evocative color photographs on almost every page enhance the brief text. The narrative moves step by step through the events that led up to the collapse, follows the efforts of the trapped miners to sustain life by rationing their extremely limited resources and describes the effect of the accident on their families. It also covers the development of a vibrant tent city at the rescue location, the ingenious strategies developed by the rescuers and finally the lasting impact on the survivors, many of whom remain unemployed. An engaging, suspenseful look at a tragedy averted that also provides a glimpse of a challenging way of life. Pair this with Marc Aronson's more in-depth Trapped (2011). (glossary, author's note, additional websites) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Children's Literature --

In October 2010 the world watched as thirty-three miners were brought to the earth's surface after being trapped underground for over two months; this is their story. Beginning with a brief history of mining and the Chilean region where the action takes place, the reader is given a better understanding of what lead to the ordeal and how the rescue unfolded. The narrative bounces back and forth from the rescue efforts and public reactions above ground to the desperate conditions of the men trapped below. Attention is also paid to the aftermath; the lawsuits, safety inspections and psychological issues the rescued still face. The type is large enough to accommodate a slightly younger audience and they layout is clean and appealing. This is an ideal nonfiction resource, a great mixture of facts and human interest complemented by extensive back matter, full-color maps, photos and diagrams, and an informative author's note on her attraction to the story and her writing process; a great addition to any class, school or public library.

School Library Journal --

On August 5, 2010, a massive collapse at the San Jose mine in the Chilean desert left 33 miners trapped more than 2000 feet below the earth's surface. Scott alternately tells the stories of the miners, their families anxiously waitin in the camp above, and the rescuers drilling through some of the hardest rock in the world to try to reach them. Frequent color photos, maps, and diagrams, in addition to plentiful white space, make the book visually appealing and increase browser interest. An author's note explains how Scott conducted her research....

 Elaine Scott is available to share her knowledge with students. For descriptions of the types of presentations she does and other information about her school visits, please visit Balkin Buddies.