The Tornado: A Novel

Product Description

“One of the best stories about bullying for middle grades. Highly recommended.”–School Library Journal, starred reviewBell Kirby is an expert at systems, whether he’s designing the world’s most elaborate habitat for his pet chinchilla, re-creating Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest inventions in his garage, or avoiding Parker Hellickson, the most diabolical bully Village Green Elementary has ever seen.Since third grade, Parker has tormented Bell, who’s spent two long years devising a finely tuned system that keeps him out of Parker’s way. Sure, it means that Bell can’t get a drink when he wants to, can’t play with his best friend on the playground, and can’t tell his parents about his day, but at least he’s safe.Until Daelynn Gower touches down in his classroom like a tornado.Bell’s not sure why the new girl, with her rainbow hair, wild clothes, and strange habits, is drawn to him, but he knows one thing–she means trouble. It’s bad enough that she disrupts Bell’s secret system, but when Daelynn becomes the bully’s new target, Bell is forced to make an impossible decision: Finally stand up to Parker. . . Or join him.

Review

A Junior Library Guild Selection”One of the best stories about bullying for middle grades. Highly recommended.”–School Library Journal, starred review”Having been mercilessly bullied for three years by Parker… fifth- grader Bell is at first so relieved when his tormentor switches focus to flamboyantly dressed new girl Daelynn that he actually goes along with a mean prank on her. So sharp is his guilt, though―particularly after Daelynn justly berates him for being a coward―that after a few false starts he screws his courage to the sticking place and discovers that forming a mutual support group with her and other victims effectively keeps the bully at bay. But this is only partly about coping with a bully, and the rest of the story may well prove more engaging to young readers. Displaying a rare gift for nuanced characters, Burt captures the heady sense of accomplishment that comes with working together and exploring not just problems but creative interests and challenges.”– Booklist, starred review”Gracefully folded into [The Tornado] are themes of friendship, accountability, engineering, and cooperation, and even a discussion on what life was like for Leonardo da Vinci. Even with a wide range of topics, Burt keeps the plot lively and focused as the very believable kids work to solve their own problems through both empathy and logic. …A satisfying tale of bullying redemption with a STEM twist.” — Kirkus ReviewsPraise for The Right Hook of Devin Velma:A Junior Library Guild Selection”Spot-on sixth-grade humor and sympathetic characters will hook readers as he explores fame and friendship in the age of social media.”–Publishers Weekly”Fisticuffs ensue, but so in time do good and brave words in this goofy, affectionate tale of loyalty, family and fraternity.”–Wall Street Journal”A sweet, accessible comedy about two sixth grade boys. Short and punchy sentences get straight to the funny stuff and leave just enough unexplained to keep readers moving to the resolution. … A wholesome, appealing, and fast-paced friendship tale.”–School Library Journal”Features a fantastic male friendship and a well-developed roster of characters. …This is a novel fully rooted in the experiences of today’s tweens, certain that they’re one social media stunt away from fame but also still struggling with timeless concerns, whether it’s managing the expectations of adults or crushing on their BFF’s older sister. Hand to fans of basketball and friendship stories.”–Booklist”He may not be the best candidate for the job, but twelve-year-old narrator and introvert Addison is willing to step in as cameraman/sidekick/lookout for his friend Devin, who plans to pull off an epic stunt, record and post it, go viral, and monetize his millions of views to cover his ailing father’s medical bills. … fast-moving…