IgniteLit

Title: Jack vs. the Tornado
Author: Amanda Cleary Eastep
Series: The Tree Street Kids, book 1
Major Themes: Chicago, Neighbors, Friendship
Synopsis: When Jack’s family moved to the suburbs of Chicago, he was determined to find a way to move them back to the farm—but would it work out that way, or did God have a different plan?

A few weeks ago, I was listening to a podcast in which someone described a newish series of middle-grade books that she had found and loved. They sounded good, and since I’m always on the lookout for new books for my children and our library (and for reviews for this website), I had a look for the series on the online libraries I use. Lo and behold, I found them on one as audiobooks! I downloaded the first of The Tree Street Kids, Jack vs. the Tornado, and headed out to the garden to listen while I worked. A few days later, I spent more time listening while I did some sewing, and when my 9-year-old daughter came along and hung around so she could hear the story, I knew it had passed another test. The ultimate still remained—would the boys like it?

Publisher’s description:

My thoughts:

I decided to test Jack vs. the Tornado on the boys while we traveled. That way, I could see their reactions and know if they thought it was boring or good. It passed that test! Every time I had to pause the story for some reason, there was a chorus of begging in the back seat for it to be turned on again as soon as possible, and I heard a lot of chuckles at funny bits. Quite often when I read a book aloud that I received for review, I will hear things about how silly it is, or unrealistic, or simply not interesting—but there was none of that with The Tree Street Kids (as I write this, we are partway through the third book, having had to skip the second temporarily because it didn’t download properly, and the children are all excited to continue the series).

There are many things I appreciate about the books I have heard so far in this series. I like Jack’s work ethic and willingness to help people. I like his teachable spirit. I like his parents’ involvement in his life. Though they give him freedom to go around the neighborhood, at age 10, without their supervision, make friends, and look for jobs, they are present to guide him in making wise decisions. He especially has a good relationship with his dad, and it is hard on all of them that the dad has a long-distance job.

The one thing in this book that I am not so happy with is the references to playing video games that run all the way through. Jack loves video games, but does not read; he solves problems as though they were part of a game. He has a friend, though, who is always reading and sees life through that kind of lens, which adds contrast to this story. Oh, one more thing about that friend: he is apparently Black, although that is never important in their friendship.

These books are set in 1995, so there are no cell phones. One of Jack’s friends, though, always carries a walkie-talkie so his mother can stay in contact with him! Which reminds me of another thing I noticed. Each of the five children in the book has a very distinct character with unique traits. It is very easy to keep track of who is who.

I am so impressed with this series that I plan to buy the books when I have the opportunity. They will be a good addition to our library. I am delighted to find a series for middle-grade boys that will encourage them in good ways and keep their attention.