Over the last seven or eight years, I have paid close attention to S. D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series. While I deeply enjoy his books, I’m even more captivated by what he writes to parents about his creative purpose and approach. I first discovered Smith during a season when my children were very young, and I was searching for stories to nurture their hearts and minds. Wandering through the stacks of my local public library, I was struck by how many books were either subpar in quality or concerning in content.

Turning to Christian authors, I hoped for better, but I encountered a different challenge. Many of their books were overly didactic, lacking imagination and depth. They felt “safe” in a way that left the stories lifeless, failing to engage or inspire.

Then I stumbled upon a video by Smith. Hearing his words felt like hearing the horns of Rohan—a call to arms for those of us longing for literature that nourishes and challenges young readers. His message resonated deeply. I resolved to seek out living authors who craft rich, meaningful stories that stretch children’s imaginations, refine their hearts, and give them something real and lasting to savor.

“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.” - Series Description from the Publisher

I am thrilled to say that Amanda Cleary Eastep is one of those authors. Her first book in the Tree Street Kids series from Moody Publishers, Jack vs. The Tornado, is an absolute delight! It reminds me of a modern-day Happy Hollisters—joyful, friendly, and filled with wholesome adventure. And, an added bonus, the characters are Christians, and their faith is on full display without feeling preachy.

Jack’s family lives in rural Illinois on a multigenerational family farm. The story opens with Jack lamenting that the worst birthday present a kid could get is to have to move away from the farm (and his amazing barn fort) and to move to the suburbs. Jack’s grandparents and parents never have enough money in the bank to pay all of the bills on time. And so, Jack’s father travels to Wisconsin to do construction work to try to make up the difference, but it is time to sell the farm. Jack is miserable and resigned to hate their new home.

When they move into the new neighborhood, Jack decides he is going to spend the summer earning enough money to help save the farm. The problem is that Jack’s attempts to make money lead to some much bigger projects than he initially realizes. Wanting to make money to save the farm, but also wanting to do the right thing for someone in need, Jack realizes where he really belongs, and with whom.

Fun, well-written, fast-moving, wholesome in the right ways, and interesting, this story is sure to capture the interest of middle-grade readers. I liked it so much that I purchased the other four books in the series and am looking forward to reading more. And, for those who read with their ears, the audio is very well done.