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The Tornado Chasers
The Tornado Chasers by Ross Montgomery is the second hilarious adventure from the author of the Costa shortlisted Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door . .
When Owen Underwood's family move to Barrow, it's because there's nowhere safer in the Valleys - and safety is very important. Especially when the threat of tornadoes, and giant bears, is constant.
But in Barrow, safety is taken to extremes. Children have to wear bright yellow at all times and are never allowed outside except to go to school. How can Owen face an entire summer of that?
In secret, Owen and his friends form the Tornado Chasers. Their to get as close to a Grade 5 tornado as possible. It's time for them to face their fears!
And then... And then...
The second hilarious, thought-provoking, highly original book from an extraordinary young talent - you've never read a novel like it
- GenresMiddle Grade
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Ross Montgomery
33 books320 followersRoss Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you'd find empty crisp packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 1, 2017
My six year old son and I chose this book from the library as his bedtime story (me reading to him). To be honest, I thought it was a fair book for three quarters of it, and had it on track as a solid three star rating. However, we completed this book last night and the ending was so brilliant it had to go up a notch. I have to admit here, it made me drop a tear (actually scratch that - it left me sobbing - there I said it) and it is possibly one of the best endings to a book I have read, ever. So if you have a child that enjoys a little bit of adventure, a lot of humour and want a fantastic finish, then give this a go.
February 20, 2017
Really fun, easy read which I think kids would love. Absolutely didn't see the twist at the end and it made the books for me!
February 2, 2017
I read this book looking to see if it was suitable to read to 11 year olds since we're learning about natural disasters. I discovered it definitely is not suitable.
In fact this book left me feeling altogether uncomfortable and not in a thought provoking, good way.
Here are the lessons I took from this book:
- give into peer pressure. That way people with think you're brave.
- being seen to be brave is more important than life itself.
- if you don't understand a rule an adult has in place, they must be insane.
- adults lie.
- it's okay to seriously injure adults particularly if they stand in the way of you getting what you want.
- it is better to kill yourself than discuss your problems or appear a coward.
- suicide is a great option 'cause heaven is lovely.
Granted there are slightly nicer lessons such as: if you bully someone and they die, you will feel guilty.
And there were a couple of funny sequences.
In fact this book left me feeling altogether uncomfortable and not in a thought provoking, good way.
Here are the lessons I took from this book:
- give into peer pressure. That way people with think you're brave.
- being seen to be brave is more important than life itself.
- if you don't understand a rule an adult has in place, they must be insane.
- adults lie.
- it's okay to seriously injure adults particularly if they stand in the way of you getting what you want.
- it is better to kill yourself than discuss your problems or appear a coward.
- suicide is a great option 'cause heaven is lovely.
Granted there are slightly nicer lessons such as: if you bully someone and they die, you will feel guilty.
And there were a couple of funny sequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
There's a scene in the Pixar movie Wall-e where the captain of the Axiom yells at his ship's AI,"I don't wanna survive! I wanna live!" Reading this book brought this scene to my mind at multiple points.
To me, it represents the intersection between the desire for adventure and safety, and the ultimate realization that you can't have both. At that point, you have to choose; choose what you stand for, what you want your life to mean to yourself and the larger world, and most importantly, how you want to be remembered. You have to choose the legacy you want to leave.
In the end, what makes this book so meaningful to me is the ending. You read and discover the choices the characters made, and wonder if they were right or wrong to make them. But that in itself, defeats the point, because the point is that they chose. They made a decision for themselves alone. The correctness of it is absolutely meaningless in the face of the fact that they found the courage to anchor within themselves and identify who they were and who they wanted to be.
To me, it represents the intersection between the desire for adventure and safety, and the ultimate realization that you can't have both. At that point, you have to choose; choose what you stand for, what you want your life to mean to yourself and the larger world, and most importantly, how you want to be remembered. You have to choose the legacy you want to leave.
In the end, what makes this book so meaningful to me is the ending. You read and discover the choices the characters made, and wonder if they were right or wrong to make them. But that in itself, defeats the point, because the point is that they chose. They made a decision for themselves alone. The correctness of it is absolutely meaningless in the face of the fact that they found the courage to anchor within themselves and identify who they were and who they wanted to be.
December 17, 2017
Welcome to Barrow where from a young age, it’s drilled into you to be fearful of tornadoes and bears! Children are almost wrapped in cotton wool to prevent them from anything dangerous. I was giggling from start to finished. Although I didn’t quite understand the ending, i loved the whole book! Especially the twist!
August 13, 2017
Good read, with a terrible ending.
May 23, 2018
This book was really good until I got to the end, then I just didn't get it. I mean, I'm pretty sure I know what happened, but WHY?!
August 31, 2023
It Was a story of a dating group if children and it made me feel stronger
December 23, 2025
DNF - shelved this book due to language. My son was loving it but there is so much other rich material out there to read sans language.
September 15, 2014
Ross Montgomery’s second book, a story about five children who decide to actively seek out exactly what everybody in their home town is afraid of, could be called an ‘incredible adventure’. Yet the whole beauty of "The Tornado Chasers" is that while it is indeed set in what seems to be a very bizarre place called Barrow, it is a tale that almost verges on the credible.
The people of Barrow are obsessed by safety. It is their main concern. A new town, built in response to the ferocious tornadoes that rip through the valley, Barrow is the place to which frightened parents flocked, parents concerned about the safety of their children and about other towns not doing enough to keep danger at bay. But the desire for security has been taken to the extreme: The Barrow Storm Laws decree that children must be indoors by four o'clock, with lights out at six, that they must wear a high visibility yellow uniform to school and that they are never allowed to leave Barrow under any circumstances. If anybody doesn't like this, well then there is always room at the County Detention Centre. Owen Underwood, a new kid in town, and his four new friends Ceri, Orlaith, Callum and Pete, all pupils of Barrow Prep, have had enough. During a tense period of SW5 (Storm Warning 5), the gang form a rule-defying plan to chase after the tornado, to get as close to it as they possibly can. In the process they manage to break every Storm Law in the book!
While this is a story that deals with 'serious' themes such as empowerment, bravery, the tension between freedom and security, the narrative never gets bogged down in its own profundity. The writing remains full of humour, with unexpected twists and turns, suspense and vivid descriptions that will keep young readers engaged and keen for more. Perhaps the funniest moment comes when Barrow school teacher and Safety Officer Miss Pewlish unexpectedly turns up just when the tornado chasers are trying to disguise their identity on a busy street. Just as the chase begins, Miss Pewlish, in hot pursuit, plunges her foot into a splattered watermelon and, 'bellowing like a faulty firework' somersaults through the air several times before landing head first in a bin. Another example of this mixture of humour and depth comes in the development of the characters in the novel: From Murderous Pete (who actually turns out to be gentle and sensitive boy) or Callum Brenner, the 'hardest boy in Barrow' (who is, in reality, terrified of the non-existent bears) the message is about looking beyond appearances, labels and first impressions.
From a structural point of view this book is also interesting in that it begins with a letter from an escapee from the County Detention Centre, explaining that the story to follow is the truth about the friends' recent adventure, the story that the Warden so desperately wanted to know. Yet even us readers are fooled because in the end, Inmate 409, is not the character we expect him to be, and having left his friends at the last minute, does not in fact know how exactly it all ended but offers us several possible conclusions from his own imagination.
At 278 pages long, with 21 chapters and no illustrations, this is a junior novel that would make suitable independent reading in a Year 5 or 6 class. It is a book that will both challenge and inspire children, providing them with rich material to add to their own developing bank of descriptive language and food for thought on the nature of the writing process itself. Built around themes of universal validity and involving an element of social commentary, this is a thought-provoking read that both children and adults will enjoy.
The people of Barrow are obsessed by safety. It is their main concern. A new town, built in response to the ferocious tornadoes that rip through the valley, Barrow is the place to which frightened parents flocked, parents concerned about the safety of their children and about other towns not doing enough to keep danger at bay. But the desire for security has been taken to the extreme: The Barrow Storm Laws decree that children must be indoors by four o'clock, with lights out at six, that they must wear a high visibility yellow uniform to school and that they are never allowed to leave Barrow under any circumstances. If anybody doesn't like this, well then there is always room at the County Detention Centre. Owen Underwood, a new kid in town, and his four new friends Ceri, Orlaith, Callum and Pete, all pupils of Barrow Prep, have had enough. During a tense period of SW5 (Storm Warning 5), the gang form a rule-defying plan to chase after the tornado, to get as close to it as they possibly can. In the process they manage to break every Storm Law in the book!
While this is a story that deals with 'serious' themes such as empowerment, bravery, the tension between freedom and security, the narrative never gets bogged down in its own profundity. The writing remains full of humour, with unexpected twists and turns, suspense and vivid descriptions that will keep young readers engaged and keen for more. Perhaps the funniest moment comes when Barrow school teacher and Safety Officer Miss Pewlish unexpectedly turns up just when the tornado chasers are trying to disguise their identity on a busy street. Just as the chase begins, Miss Pewlish, in hot pursuit, plunges her foot into a splattered watermelon and, 'bellowing like a faulty firework' somersaults through the air several times before landing head first in a bin. Another example of this mixture of humour and depth comes in the development of the characters in the novel: From Murderous Pete (who actually turns out to be gentle and sensitive boy) or Callum Brenner, the 'hardest boy in Barrow' (who is, in reality, terrified of the non-existent bears) the message is about looking beyond appearances, labels and first impressions.
From a structural point of view this book is also interesting in that it begins with a letter from an escapee from the County Detention Centre, explaining that the story to follow is the truth about the friends' recent adventure, the story that the Warden so desperately wanted to know. Yet even us readers are fooled because in the end, Inmate 409, is not the character we expect him to be, and having left his friends at the last minute, does not in fact know how exactly it all ended but offers us several possible conclusions from his own imagination.
At 278 pages long, with 21 chapters and no illustrations, this is a junior novel that would make suitable independent reading in a Year 5 or 6 class. It is a book that will both challenge and inspire children, providing them with rich material to add to their own developing bank of descriptive language and food for thought on the nature of the writing process itself. Built around themes of universal validity and involving an element of social commentary, this is a thought-provoking read that both children and adults will enjoy.
September 6, 2014
The first couple of chapters of this book quickly draw you into the somewhat unusual version of our world that provides its setting. It feels like a world where health and safety fears really have taken over – every element of life in the small town of Barrow is governed by a risk averse attitude. I was immediately drawn into Owen’s story, feeling very sorry for him and the new friends he was making as the impact of all of the safety rules became increasingly clear.
The book very much feels like it’s a cautionary tale, we all know the age old wisdom that the more you tell someone they can’t have or do something the more they want to do exactly the opposite. It’s no wonder therefore that Owen and his friends come together with a wish to rebel and to go and chase one of the tornados responsible for so many of the restrictions placed upon them.
The description of this book as hilarious, thought-provoking, highly original is spot on. There were definite laugh out loud moments but there were just as many, if not more, moments that left the reader with something to think about. Considering perceptions is a real theme running throughout the book – there are characters that are being seen one, perhaps flawed, way by the characters but we the reader can perhaps see them a little more clearly as we’re seeing them from a distance.
Owen’s group of friends are a wonderfully mixed bunch, seeing how they come together in spite of their differences was lovely. Their first meeting in particular was brilliant, I found myself thinking back to the wonderful groups from the many Enid Blyton books I read as a child. I liked as well the way that the group of characters included a person of colour and person with a disability without either of these things defining the character – something I hope we’re going to be seeing more and more of in children’s literature.
There are some pretty big twists and turns as the book progresses, a couple of times I was pleasantly surprised by the direction that the book took. The ending left me thinking for a long time, I’ll certainly be interested to hear how younger readers get on with it. I do think it’s a very fitting ending but I also think it’s likely to be one that might need some discussion – I imagine like anything this will vary from reader to reader but is worth considering if you’re giving the book to someone.
I haven’t read Ross Montgomery’s first book Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door but on the strength of this book it’s definitely earned a place on my books to read list.
The book very much feels like it’s a cautionary tale, we all know the age old wisdom that the more you tell someone they can’t have or do something the more they want to do exactly the opposite. It’s no wonder therefore that Owen and his friends come together with a wish to rebel and to go and chase one of the tornados responsible for so many of the restrictions placed upon them.
The description of this book as hilarious, thought-provoking, highly original is spot on. There were definite laugh out loud moments but there were just as many, if not more, moments that left the reader with something to think about. Considering perceptions is a real theme running throughout the book – there are characters that are being seen one, perhaps flawed, way by the characters but we the reader can perhaps see them a little more clearly as we’re seeing them from a distance.
Owen’s group of friends are a wonderfully mixed bunch, seeing how they come together in spite of their differences was lovely. Their first meeting in particular was brilliant, I found myself thinking back to the wonderful groups from the many Enid Blyton books I read as a child. I liked as well the way that the group of characters included a person of colour and person with a disability without either of these things defining the character – something I hope we’re going to be seeing more and more of in children’s literature.
There are some pretty big twists and turns as the book progresses, a couple of times I was pleasantly surprised by the direction that the book took. The ending left me thinking for a long time, I’ll certainly be interested to hear how younger readers get on with it. I do think it’s a very fitting ending but I also think it’s likely to be one that might need some discussion – I imagine like anything this will vary from reader to reader but is worth considering if you’re giving the book to someone.
I haven’t read Ross Montgomery’s first book Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door but on the strength of this book it’s definitely earned a place on my books to read list.
August 18, 2014
The concept of this book is really interesting- it's like an introduction to dystopia for middle grade readers. Living in Barrow means never being outside on your own, needing to be at home straight away after school and in some people's cases being locked inside your room for your own safety. The ever present threat of tornadoes and bear attacks mean that the adults of Barrow are constantly vigilant... not the best thing when you are a child in search of adventure and excitement. Preferably the sort of adventure that your grandparents had in their career as 'Tornado Chasers.'
I loved the mild dystopia and thought children would really love this. The text was full of adventure and peril and would keep an individual child or whole class enthralled.
The main character of Owen, a newcomer to Barrow, is a great introduction to this dystopian world. The other Tornado Chasers are also really well written and it's lovely to see a diverse group of friends which didn't feel to be diverse just as a token gesture.
I really enjoyed the twist that I wasn't as keen on the end. It was very unusual and a brave choice for a children's book but I felt
I loved the mild dystopia and thought children would really love this. The text was full of adventure and peril and would keep an individual child or whole class enthralled.
The main character of Owen, a newcomer to Barrow, is a great introduction to this dystopian world. The other Tornado Chasers are also really well written and it's lovely to see a diverse group of friends which didn't feel to be diverse just as a token gesture.
I really enjoyed the twist that I wasn't as keen on the end. It was very unusual and a brave choice for a children's book but I felt
June 9, 2016
Feel of dystopia for primary children, a tale of a safety-conscious town
Owen moves to Barrow with his family, and straight away works out that his new town is rather different - everyone is deathly afraid of bears, of tornadoes. You must run straight home after school, you cannot be outside after curfew, you must travel in pairs.
Even Owen's parents are acting strange, worried about his safety. With some new friends, Owen is inspired by his grandparents to form the 'Tornado Chasers' group, who thrive on seeking tornadoes. Can he find out what is going on?
It's a very unusual theme for a book intended for KS2 / primary-aged readers. At the start I wasn't quite sure what I was reading, though most of the conventions you'd expect are in place (a teacher antagonist, initial enemies who become friends, mystery, adversity).
I listened to this as an audiobook, and it works quite well in that format. There are a few twists but nothing that's too hard to follow when listening.
Quite a bizarre read, may not be to every 10 year old's taste, but it is very funny and quite refreshing to read something a little different.
Owen moves to Barrow with his family, and straight away works out that his new town is rather different - everyone is deathly afraid of bears, of tornadoes. You must run straight home after school, you cannot be outside after curfew, you must travel in pairs.
Even Owen's parents are acting strange, worried about his safety. With some new friends, Owen is inspired by his grandparents to form the 'Tornado Chasers' group, who thrive on seeking tornadoes. Can he find out what is going on?
It's a very unusual theme for a book intended for KS2 / primary-aged readers. At the start I wasn't quite sure what I was reading, though most of the conventions you'd expect are in place (a teacher antagonist, initial enemies who become friends, mystery, adversity).
I listened to this as an audiobook, and it works quite well in that format. There are a few twists but nothing that's too hard to follow when listening.
Quite a bizarre read, may not be to every 10 year old's taste, but it is very funny and quite refreshing to read something a little different.
July 6, 2014
Reading The Tornado Chasers is like you have fallen into a dream and forgotten who you are. You're living in a world that sort of potentially might be real, but at the same time, you know that something is very, very wrong. Parents are acting strangely, you are always wearing yellow, bedtime is 6pm and you don't seem to question the fact that bears are the greatest threat to your daily life (apart from tornadoes). You are going to find out what is wrong. It will be the most exciting dream you've ever had, and you will leave it changed. You will never be the same.
The best book I've read so far this year.
The best book I've read so far this year.
June 3, 2015
Interesting but Barrow has too many rules
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews