The Storm Makers

March 5, 2012
Twelve-year-old Ruby is having a long, hard summer. First, her popular twin, Simon, is revealed to be a Storm Maker (“one of a very small group of people in the world who have the ability to influence the weather”), and she finds out that Rupert London, chairman of the secret Makers of Storms Society, is harnessing Storm Makers to create extreme weather-related disasters—and has Simon in his sights as a successor. Joined by a wise Storm Maker, who has a long history with the chairman, and a scrappy mechanic, who specializes in earthquakes, the twins work together to thwart London’s plan. Smith’s (The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight) first middle-grade novel is a bit slow to unfold, but it’s easy to root for the twins, especially smart, science-savvy Ruby, who stands by her brother while struggling with her jealousy about his special status. This is fairly straightforward good versus evil plotting, but readers who stick with it should be impressed by a late-in-the-game twist regarding Ruby. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jennifer Joel, ICM.

March 1, 2012
Contemporary twins in rural Wisconsin discover what's really behind the weather in this meteorological tale of power and sibling solidarity. A 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 The children have always been close, but since turning 12, Simon seems moody and withdrawn. 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 youngest Storm Maker on record, Simon has tremendous potential, but he is threatened by Rupert London, chairman of MOSS (Makers of Storms Society). London hopes to coerce Simon into participating in his sinister agenda, stirring up destructive weather events. Initially overwhelmed, Simon must choose between preventing disaster by stabilizing the weather or joining forces with London. In a surprising climax, Simon realizes how much he needs his science-savvy twin. 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. Black-and-white illustrations capture dramatic scenes. Credible and timely fantasy for the global-warming generation. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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June 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-When her twin brother starts acting moody and distant, Ruby thinks it's just a normal part of growing up. Then one day, a mysterious stranger tells her that Simon has the ability to influence the weather. It's true that recent weather phenomena have seemed eerily related to his emotions. Storm Makers, as people like Simon are called, are tasked with minimizing damage from weather events, and a strong talent like his promises to be a valuable asset to society. However, a rogue Storm Maker has plans that could spell disaster for thousands of people, and the rest of the Storm Makers must work together to prevent a catastrophe. The problem is that Simon doesn't seem to have control over his powers. The twins are determined to help the Storm Makers, but there may be nothing they can do to avert disaster. While the story is enjoyable, the pacing suffers a bit as much of the middle of the book is devoted to Simon's unsuccessful attempts to draw upon his powers. Smith also fails to explain fully why so many experienced adult magic-workers appear to be dependent on the nascent powers of a 12-year-old. On the other hand, the family dynamics are well written and the characters are likable. Helquist's expert illustrations help bring the characters to life. This book will circulate best in areas where there is high demand for fantasy.-Misti Tidman, Licking County Library, Newark, OH

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2012
Grades 4-7 Following the pleasingly predictable YA romance The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (2012) comes this total change-up from Smith: a fablelike middle-grade slice of Americana about Storm Makersthose with the power to manipulate weather. Twelve-year-old twins Ruby and Simon are adjusting to a new life on a Wisconsin farm. But the worst drought in 100 years is killing the crops, and Smith expertly conjures the dusty feel of a Midwest where hope itself is baking away. Enter two strange figures: a kindly old man named Otis and a wolfish fellow named London, both of whom are associated with MOSSMakers of Storm Society. Their appearances set into motion a battle for Simon, whose weather-creating mood swings suggest he might become the most powerful Storm Maker of all. Smith's wise choice to tell the story through Ruby adds layers of poignancy, and though some of the mechanics bog down, this is miles away from most magical fare, and is therefore a real breath of fresh air. Helquist's illustrations were not available for review.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2013
Twins Ruby and Simon, twelve, were inseparable, but recently Simon has become withdrawn and moody. A mysterious stranger informs Ruby that Simon is a Storm Maker, part of a very small group that has "the ability to influence the weather," and the siblings must cope with Simon's nascent power. Global warming references add a topical element; Helquist's occasional black-and-white drawings convey the story's magic.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)