For the child fascinated by extreme weather, this book explores the thrilling, dangerous world of a professional storm chaser. It sparks wonder and bravery.
When would a parent reach for this book? For a child whose fascination with big weather is matched only by their love for adventure, or one who has anxieties about storms that could be eased by understanding. This nonfiction book follows professional storm chaser and photographer Warren Faidley right into the heart of tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning storms. It balances the thrilling, dangerous aspects of his job with the science behind the weather, exploring themes of bravery, curiosity, and perseverance. It's perfect for elementary and middle school readers who are captivated by real-life heroes and the awesome power of nature.
The book deals directly with the peril and destructive power of natural disasters. The approach is realistic and scientific, not sensationalized or metaphorical. It shows destroyed homes and property. The danger to the protagonist is real and ever-present, but the narrative focuses on his expertise, preparation, and respect for nature, framing him as a knowledgeable scientist and artist, not a reckless thrill-seeker. The resolution is always a successful (though sometimes harrowing) mission, reinforcing a tone of competence over chaos.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 12-year-old who is obsessed with extreme weather, science, or photography. They might be an avid watcher of nature documentaries or a fan of the "I Survived" series. This book is also excellent for a child who has some fear of storms, as understanding the science and seeing a professional navigate them can be empowering and demystifying.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the dramatic, real-life photography. There are images of storm damage, including a destroyed car on page 24. The text describes life-threatening situations with frankness. For a more sensitive child, it would be beneficial to read this together to discuss the safety precautions Faidley takes and to separate his professional, prepared approach from the experience of a civilian in a storm. A parent might seek this book after their child expresses intense curiosity (or fear) about a recent storm seen on the news or experienced firsthand. The child might be asking endless questions like "How do tornadoes form?" or "Could a hurricane happen here?" or simply stating, "I want to be a storm chaser when I grow up!"
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely be captivated by the incredible photographs and the sheer adventure of the chases. They will take away the basic concepts of storm formation and a sense of wonder. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the scientific details, the technical aspects of the photography, the concept of calculated risk, and the unique career path Faidley has forged.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many encyclopedic weather books that present facts in a detached way, "Eye of the Storm" uses a thrilling, first-person biographical narrative to make science come alive. The combination of personal memoir, high-stakes adventure, and stunning photography provides a uniquely engaging and personal entry point into meteorology.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book provides a biographical look at the career of Warren Faidley, one of the world's first full-time professional storm chasers and photographers. The book follows him on various chases, detailing his encounters with massive tornadoes in the Midwest, powerful hurricanes on the coast, and spectacular lightning storms. It weaves together his personal, high-stakes narrative with clear scientific explanations of how these weather phenomena form, how they are tracked, and the safety measures professionals take.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Warren Faidley says he feels both fear and excitement when chasing a storm. Have you ever felt two opposite emotions at the same time? When was that?
2
On page 31, Warren decides to get closer to a tornado to get the perfect photo, even though it's very dangerous. Do you think this was a brave choice or a reckless one? Why?
3
After seeing the photos and reading about how storms form, do you feel more or less scared of them? How has learning the science behind them changed your feelings?
4
Warren uses special equipment and a lot of knowledge to stay as safe as possible. What are some ways your family prepares to stay safe during a big storm in our area?
