Storm Runners: The Wind

February 22, 2011 Heidi Uncategorized 2

Storm Runners
Author: Roland Smith
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Pages: 160
Source: ARC received from publisher

About the Book: Chase Masters and his father are “storm runners,” racing across the country in pursuit of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Anywhere bad weather strikes, they are not far behind. Chase is learning more on the road than he ever would just sitting in a classroom. But when the hurricane of the century hits, he will be tested in ways he never could have imagined.

My Thoughts: Wow! I feel like this book needs to come with a warning! It’s the first in a series (actually, I think it’s a trilogy but I’m not sure) but it ends with a HUGE cliffhanger!!! Like, my middle schoolers are going to KILL me when they finish the book. Seriously… I was like, “Wait… what?!? He ends it THERE?!?!?!” It took me about an hour to read. I couldn’t put it down!

The book follows Chase Masters. After his dad is struck by lightening he becomes obsessed with weather. He sells his part in the family construction company and they start moving from place to place chasing natural disasters. (Yes, you read that right… CHASE Masters becomes a storm chaser!) Chase’s dad makes his living doing repairs after the storms hit while Chase helps out and goes to the local school.

Their latest adventure takes them to Florida where a hurricane is set to hit. They set up camp on the wintering grounds for a traveling circus. Chase’s dad goes to work helping people prepare for the storm and Chase starts school. When the hurricane strikes there are some unexpected twists. Chase ends up in a fight for his life and the lives of two classmates while his dad has problems of his own.

This is a great middle grade read. It’s fast paced and full of danger and adventure. Reluctant readers won’t be intimidated by the story and will get sucked right in. Just be careful! They are going to be demanding the next book ASAP!