It’s been an exciting week at the Night Buddies’ second auxiliary office somewhere in the Plains. Eighty-mile-an-hour winds wrecked five minutes of havoc on the Burrough (not the same Burrough where John lives) and took out trees and power lines. No power for several days meant playing board games by battery-powered lanterns and time to visit the library and look for books about weather.

Here are some books to start with if you want to know more about wind or rain or how to read signs that can help you predict the weather!

The Tornado Detective by Sarah Michaels. Ages 7-12

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena with this captivating book designed for young readers ages 7 to 12. This engaging and informative guide delves deep into the mysterious world of tornadoes, unraveling their secrets in a way that is both accessible and thrilling for young minds.

From the science behind how these formidable funnels form, to the impact they have on communities and the environment, this book covers all aspects of tornadoes in vivid detail. It educates and inspires, with chapters dedicated to the bold scientists and storm chasers who pursue these storms to understand their behavior and predict their paths.

 

The Secret World of Weather by Tristan Gooley

Every cloud, every change in temperature, every raindrop, every sunbeam, every breeze reveals something about our weather―if you know what to look for. Before you know it, you’ll be able to forecast impending storms, sunny days, and everything in between, all without needing to consult your smartphone.

By carefully observing the subtle interplay of wind, cloud, fog, temperature, rain, and many other phenomena, we not only form a deeper understanding of weather patterns but also unlock secrets about our environment. Weather forms our landscape, and landscape forms our weather. Everything we see in the sky reflects where we are. When we learn to read weather’s signs, Gooley shows us how the weather becomes our map, revealing how it has made our towns, cities, woods, and hills what they are. You’ll never see your surroundings the same way again.

 

The Ultimate Kid’s Guide to Weather by Jenny Marder. Ages 8-12

With stunning photos of Earth’s wildest weather and easy at-home STEM activities, this is the only guide kids need to learn about meteorology.
Buckle up and let Jenny Marder, a senior writer for NASA, be your guide through the Earth’s atmosphere! First stop: the stratosphere!