An accident in science class triggers a chain of events forcing Benji and Ro, who is new to the school, to interact and unintentionally learn each other’s secrets. Along with their profound personal losses, the protagonists share a fixation with the universe’s intriguing potential: Ro decides to complete the rocket and hopes to launch mementos of her father into outer space while Benji’s conviction that aliens and UFOs are real compels his imagination and creativity as an artist. As for Benji, not only has his best friend, Amir, moved away, but the comic book holding the clue for locating his dad is also missing. Ro’s father, a fellow space buff, was killed by a drunk driver the rocket they were working on together lies unfinished in her closet. Unfolding in mid-1980s Sacramento, California, this story stars 12-year-olds Rosalind and Benjamin as first-person narrators in alternating chapters. 8-12)Īn aspiring scientist and a budding artist become friends and help each other with dream projects. Black-and-white illustrations capture dramatic scenes.Ĭredible and timely fantasy for the global-warming generation. Building like a summer storm, the pace and drama accelerate as thunderstorms, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes buffet the twin protagonists, who stand together as they face the elements. In a surprising climax, Simon realizes how much he needs his science-savvy twin. Initially overwhelmed, Simon must choose between preventing disaster by stabilizing the weather or joining forces with London. London hopes to coerce Simon into participating in his sinister agenda, stirring up destructive weather events. The youngest Storm Maker on record, Simon has tremendous potential, but he is threatened by Rupert London, chairman of MOSS (Makers of Storms Society). When a freak thunderstorm coincides with Simon’s sudden illness, a mysterious stranger named Otis reveals that Simon is a Storm Maker, one of a select few with power to control the weather. The children have always been close, but since turning 12, Simon seems moody and withdrawn.

Contemporary twins in rural Wisconsin discover what’s really behind the weather in this meteorological tale of power and sibling solidarity.Ī year ago, Ruby and Simon’s parents quit their jobs in a Chicago suburb and moved to a small farm to pursue dreams now threatened by a severe drought.

The Storm Makers by Jennifer E. Smith