Content: PG (bullying)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Back in 2011, a freak tornado hit a trailer park in Centralia, Illinois, killing four. Francis was only a baby at the time - he survived, but not his mother. 12yo Natalie has just moved to Centralia to live with Grandma while her mom is in drug rehab. She wants to keep her head low, but can;t keep quiet when she sees how the others at school relentlessly bully Francis. It is Centralia’s bicentennial, and their class has been ordered to make history projects - Francis and Natalie pair up to research the tornado, but someone has secrets and they don’t want the tornado scrutinized. The enemy will take drastic measures to ensure their secrets stay hidden, but Natalie and Francis also have friends who are willing to help them succeed.
Foley adds a touch of magical realism to her story, which I am not going to give away. I love Natalie’s bravery and the adults who rallied around to help her. Francis is not as brave, but also realistic.
The characters cue white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
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