The 2015 drought in California continually made national news? But it's not the only place that's battled a lack of water in recent years. Droughts disrupt the water cycle, crop production, and the everyday lives of people and animals living in the region. Can they be prevented? Readers are introduced to why droughts happen and how they're dealt with when they do. An emphasis on conservation and drought-prone regions around the world encourages readers to think about this topic with a global view. Full-color photographs illustrate the devastation droughts can cause, and fascinating fact boxes complement the main content with even more science and social studies information.