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Ivy Ruckman

Author of Night of the Twisters

16+ Works 1,043 Members 22 Reviews

About the Author

Includes the names: Ivy Ruckman, by Ivy Ruckman

Also includes: Ruckman (2)

Works by Ivy Ruckman

Night of the Twisters (1984) 763 copies
In Care of Cassie Tucker (1998) 62 copies
Rob&Sara.com (2004) 59 copies
No Way Out (1988) 31 copies
Who Invited the Undertaker? (1989) 28 copies
Melba the Brain (1979) 18 copies
Melba the Mummy (1991) 14 copies
The Hunger Scream (1983) 13 copies
Spell It M-U-R-D-E-R (1994) 6 copies
Encounter (1978) 5 copies
Who Needs Rainbows? (1969) 5 copies
Pronounce It Dead (1994) 4 copies
In a Class by Herself (1983) 3 copies

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Inspired by an actual event in Nebraska in 1980, when multiple twisters ravaged one town in a meteorological anomaly, 12-year-old Dan Hatch must protect his baby brother and tornado-newbie best friend Arthur, as both of his parents are gone when the tornado comes.

I read this book when I was younger, but only remembered a few details. I really enjoyed it even as an adult. It's realistic to how kids were back in those days, off riding their bikes or swimming in the local water hole during the summer, especially in a smaller town like this. No cell phones, no video games, and then they went home in the evening to watch Happy Days, which is a little before my time, but I still appreciate the overall feel the author paints of life in the early 80s, when this book was written and set. I also thought that, while the descriptions of the devastation caused by the storm aren't necessarily vast and detailed, they felt realistic to someone like me who's never been in a tornado but has seen the aftermath in pictures or videos. And most likely toned down due to being a book for kids.

There were not a whole lot of characters, but I liked the ones that were around much. Dan's feelings about his little brother throughout were pretty real for a kid his age who had been an only child until the age of 12. Arthur provided an interesting foil in multiple ways. The elderly neighbor Mrs. Smiley and her part in the story made me smile (no pun intended). My only complaint is that I would have liked to know how Officer Kelly ended up. But overall, the book was an exciting, suspenseful read that I think would be great for kids around age 10-12.
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Kristi_D | 15 other reviews | Sep 22, 2023 |
very good - Katrina
 
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hcs_admin | 15 other reviews | Feb 8, 2023 |
This exciting tale, based on a real, devastating event, is thrilling from beginning to end. Twelve-year-old Danny and his best friend, Arthur, get caught at Danny’s home when the tornado strikes. They take Danny’s baby brother to the basement, but get trapped there. Arthur’s fourteen-year-old sister comes to look for them, and helps them out of the basement. But as bad as that was, worse things are to come. This book is good on so many levels. The characters are well developed and true to their age. There is a strong female character. There are loving relationships between family members, and strong friendships with the kids themselves and with adults and kids. Though written for children, it is certainly a book adults can appreciate.… (more)
 
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Maydacat | 15 other reviews | Dec 2, 2020 |
 
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ME_Dictionary | 15 other reviews | Mar 19, 2020 |

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Works
16
Also by
2
Members
1,043
Popularity
#24,687
Rating
3.9
Reviews
22
ISBNs
49

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