Jack vs. the Tornado - (Tree Street Kids) by Amanda Cleary Eastep (Paperback)

About the Book

Adventures, friendships, and faith-testers . . . all under the watchful eye of a great big God.

The Tree Street Kids live on Cherry, Oak, Maple, and Pine, but their 1990s suburban neighborhood is more than just quiet, tree-lined streets. Jack, Ellison, Roger, and Ruthie face challenges and find adventures in every creek and cul-de-sac--as well as God's great love in one small neighborhood.

In the first book of the Tree Street Kids series, 10-year-old Jack is shocked to discover his parents are moving from their rural homestead to the boring suburbs of Chicago. Full of energy and determination, Jack devises a plan to get himself back to his beloved farmhouse forever. Only three things stand in his way: a neighbor in need, a shocking discovery, and tornado season. Will Jack find a solution? Or is God up to something bigger than Jack can possibly imagine?

Book Synopsis

Adventures, friendships, and faith-testers . . . all under the watchful eye of a great big God.

The Tree Street Kids live on Cherry, Oak, Maple, and Pine, but their 1990s suburban neighborhood is more than just quiet, tree-lined streets. Jack, Ellison, Roger, and Ruthie face challenges and find adventures in every creek and cul-de-sac--as well as God's great love in one small neighborhood.

In the first book of the Tree Street Kids series, 10-year-old Jack is shocked to discover his parents are moving from their rural homestead to the boring suburbs of Chicago. Full of energy and determination, Jack devises a plan to get himself back to his beloved farmhouse forever. Only three things stand in his way: a neighbor in need, a shocking discovery, and tornado season. Will Jack find a solution? Or is God up to something bigger than Jack can possibly imagine?

Review Quotes

Endorsements for Jack vs. the Tornado

"As a dad of four, I can say first hand, this book and the series to come will be a new family favorite."
--BROCK EASTMAN, author of The Quest for Truth series

"This is the kind of children's book series I've been searching for. I finished Jack vs. the Tornado in one sitting and felt a growing fondness for the characters with each passing chapter. I can't wait to introduce my children to the Tree Street Kids!"
--ASHERITAH CIUCIU, author of Unwrapping the Names of Jesus and Unwrapping the Names of Jesus for Kids (2021)

"From the pen of Amanda Cleary Eastep comes Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang, the first two titles in an exciting new middle-grade series. Relevant, readable, and entertaining, the Tree Street Kids will resonate with young readers everywhere who enjoy stories of fun, friendship, faith, adventure, and humor."
--GLENYS NELLIST, author of the Love Letters from God and Little Mole series

"The Tree Street Kids series is full of adventure and is a flat-out good read! As a young reader, I grabbed a book that encouraged my faith and devoured it. I think the same thing will happen as children read this series. Bravo!"
--CHRIS FABRY, author and host of Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio

"As a mom of three, I am constantly trying to find good books for my kids that are full of adventure, yet not too scary. It makes me so happy to have found the Tree Street Kids series--my kids (and I) can't wait to read more!"
--ISABEL TOM, mom and author of The Value of Wrinkles: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old Will Change Your Life

"Jack vs. the Tornado is a lovely, encouraging, fun, and hopeful book. Amanda weaves an adventure tale that is captivating to children and moving to adults. My young daughter read Jack, and she couldn't put it down. Then it was my turn. I laughed even as I fought back a tear or two. Amanda skillfully weaves into the story important life issues: change, friendship, family challenges, aging, service, love, faith. These themes are so organic to the story that they touch the heart gently, winsomely, and naturally. Jack is nostalgic in that it treasures past experiences and bends them helpfully to present situations; and it is hopeful as it reaches outside of itself to Christ. Jack vs. the Tornado will be treasured by children and trusted by parents for generations to come."
--RAY RHODES JR., author of Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon and Yours, till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon

"Since Jack vs. the Tornado is written for children, I thought I'd have two of my grandchildren read it. When I asked Isaac, who is 9, what the central of message was, he said simply, "It shows that God is with us even when we have to do hard things." Abby, who is 17, was more detailed: "This book was constantly throwing twists and turns at the reader; it kept me on the edge of my seat. The light of Jesus Christ shone across this book as the main character is having trouble trusting God in his new move. The plot allows this book to relate and apply to many kids, giving a clear picture of what trusting Christ looks like. The story is riveting, adding interesting, unlikely events that keep you eager to find the answer." That's high praise. Abby and Isaac's sister Evelyn is now reading it!"
--ERWIN W. LUTZER, author and Pastor Emeritus, The Moody Church, Chicago

"The Tree Street Kids will be one of those book series you and your kids want to read again and again. These neighborhood kids are so funny and real and engaging; they seem like they might just live next door. I loved tagging along as they tackled big adventures and grappled with real-life situations. As a Christian parent, I treasure books that tell great stories and point children to God. Yes, both things are possible, and Amanda does it well. Enjoy!"
--JAMIE JANOSZ, managing editor, Today in the Word; author, When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up

"The 1990s kids in the Tree Street Kids series are relatable, and their challenges are things kids in the 2020s face as well. Amanda writes with curiosity, honesty, and warmth, and has created a memorable set of characters that'll hook even reluctant readers. I'm excited that these books will make their way into a world in need of messages of faith, hope, and friendship."
--MICHELLE VAN LOON, author of Becoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife

About the Author

AMANDA CLEARY EASTEP is an award-winning children's author and a book editor. She works in a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, but she has lived most of her life in the suburbs of Chicago, the home of the Tree Street Kids. Amanda and her husband, together, have eight grown children and a border collie named Annie who wakes Amanda up early every morning to write.