When The Storm Comes
Polly Ho-Yen
Knights Of

One rainy day, with considerable reluctance four children, Mali, (who narrates the story) Fara, Jonesey and Petey find themselves together in the school library after lessons. They’ve been chosen by very pregnant teacher, Ms Devine, to form a book group panel and she joins them to explain what this entails. Meanwhile, the weather has deteriorated and a fierce thunder storm brings floods. Leaving for home is now impossible as the doors are jammed. Worse, they’re unable to make contact with the outside world so bedding down for the night appears to be their only option. What to do about food soon becomes an issue with Petey keen to have more than his fair share and this contributes to the worsening mood of them all.

Suddenly a man appears: it’s Lowly, the school caretaker and he’s been on site all the time. As things become increasingly perilous, the children begin to realise that they must all trust one another and pull together. Then Jonesey is injured by a falling branch and loses consciousness. Can they escape from the terrible danger? Mali will have to give it his all if he’s to find a way through to the outside and get the aid of emergency services.

With the issue of climate change rearing its head, this is a thrilling, thought-provoking story, full of tension wherein the four children learn much about themselves and one another.