Storm

Frances and Charlie are siblings who move to Yorkshire with their family during a stormy summer. As they settle into their new home near the coast, they discover an ancient standing stone and begin experiencing visions of the past. The children find themselves connected to a centuries-old mystery involving local folklore and the power of storms. Their investigation leads them through the village's history and brings them into contact with both allies and those who wish to keep old secrets buried. Through themes of family bonds, courage, and the intersection of past and present, Storm explores how ancient stories continue to shape modern lives. The novel examines humanity's relationship with nature and the ways communities face environmental challenges across generations.

Readers praise how this middle-grade novel handles themes of grief and family relationships, with parents and children processing death differently. Many note the authentic portrayal of sibling dynamics between Frances and her younger brother through their storm-chasing adventures. Strengths cited include: - Natural, age-appropriate dialogue - Balance of serious topics with lighter moments - Scientific storm facts woven into story Common criticisms: - Plot pacing drags in middle sections - Some supernatural elements feel disconnected - Younger siblings' behavior unrealistic at times Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (782 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon US: 4.1/5 (42 ratings) Reader comment highlights: "Handles grief without being heavy-handed" - Goodreads reviewer "The storm-chasing details kept my 10-year-old engaged" - Amazon review "Final third loses focus compared to strong opening" - School Library Journal reader review

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🌊 Sally Nicholls wrote Storm after experiencing flooding in her own Yorkshire village, bringing authenticity to the book's depiction of a climate disaster ⚡ The book draws on real scientific predictions about how climate change could affect the UK's weather patterns and coastal communities 🏠 While writing the book, Nicholls consulted with climate scientists and emergency response experts to accurately portray a major flooding event 🌍 Storm was one of the first middle-grade novels to tackle climate change through the lens of a present-day disaster rather than a future dystopia 👥 The sibling relationship between main characters Frances and Charlie was inspired by Nicholls' observations of her own children during stressful situations