Jake Burt''s The Tornado is One of the best stories about bullying for middle grades. Highly recommended. School Library Journal starred review Bell Kirby is an expert at systems whether he's designing the world's most elaborate habitat for his pet chinchilla re-creating Leonardo da Vinci's greatest inventions in his garage or avoiding Parker Hellickson the most diabolical bully Village Green Elementary has ever seen. Since third grade Parker has tormented Bell who's spent two long years devising a finely tuned system that keeps him out of Parker's way. Sure it means that Bell can't get a drink when he wants to can't play with his best friend on the playground and can't tell his parents about his day but at least he's safe. Until Daelynn Gower touches down in his classroom like a tornado. Bell's not sure why the new girl with her rainbow hair wild clothes and strange habits is drawn to him but he knows one thing--she means trouble. It's bad enough that she disrupts Bell's secret system but when Daelynn becomes the bully's new target Bell is forced to make an impossible decision: Finally stand up to Parker. Or join him. . Language: English