The Tornado
Book Feature - The Tornado by Jake Burt
HBL Note: I think we’ve all experienced bullying in some form or another. This author drew from his own experiences with bullying in school to write this middle grade novel about a systems expert, Bell Kirby, who stands up to the town bully when the new girl in town becomes the bully’s target. But what really captured my attention (besides that beautiful cover) was the over 60 Wizard of Oz-themed Easter eggs! Can you find them all? Some are even right there on the cover! Scroll down to read more about this book.
From the publisher:
Bell 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.