What would you do if the mountain outside your window suddenly exploded? In the spring of 1980, twelve-year-old Caleb Marsh is living with his grandfather near Spirit Lake, Washington, in the shadow of Mount St. Helens. The mountain has been rumbling for weeks. Scientists are warning of danger. But not everyone is listening — and time is running out. The Mountain Wakes brings one of America's most dramatic natural disasters to life through the eyes of a boy who must find courage he never knew he had. Grounded in real survivor accounts and the documented science of the eruption, this story follows the terrifying sequence of events on May 18, 1980 — the earthquake, the collapse of the north face, the devastating lateral blast, and the lahars that tore through the Toutle River valley. Real locations including Spirit Lake, Johnston Ridge, and the town of Castle Rock anchor every page in authentic Pacific Northwest history. And woven throughout is the story of volcanologist David Johnston, whose final heroic radio transmission reminds readers that ordinary people can show extraordinary bravery. Part of the Young and Brave series, The Mountain Wakes is perfect for readers ages 8 to 12 who love historical fiction, survival stories, and adventure rooted in real events. It pairs beautifully with classroom units on earth science, Pacific Northwest history, and disaster preparedness. Honest, gripping, and ultimately hopeful, this is a story about what it means to face the unthinkable — and keep going. Add The Mountain Wakes to your cart today and discover the courage hiding inside the most ordinary moments.