Flight From the Water Planet — D. Jean Quarles

Gillian is distraught, hearing her parents arguing she learns the ugly truth, the Yellowstone super volcano that they've been studying is getting ready to explode. Sworn to secrecy, she has promised her parents she will continue as if nothing is wrong while they determine their next move. This includes participating in the State Speech and Debate meet in Casper, Wyoming.

When an earthquake disrupts the meet, Gillian feels the need to confide. She lets seven other students in on the terrifying truth, the Earth will soon be in a state of nuclear winter.

With the Earth in peril, aliens from the Astral Zone have convened to determine the fate of Hu-Mans. Most High Elected, Soluma-Rah, is determined to save as many children as she can, but while others in the federation agree, so they have ulterior motives?

Catastrophic events, that once begun cannot be stopped, create a parent's worst nightmare. And what of Gillian and the students she's told? Can they survive?