Books with author Ivy Ruckman

Storm Chasers meets Stranger Things! An action-packed coming-of-age story of both natural disaster and the bravery it takes to face it. When a tornado watch is issued one Tuesday evening in June, twelve-year-old Dan Hatch and his best friend, Arthur, don't think much of it. After all, tornado warnings are a way of life during the summer in Grand Island, Nebraska. But soon enough, the wind begins to howl, and the lights and telephone stop working. Then the emergency siren starts to wail. Dan, his baby brother, and Arthur have only seconds to get to the basement before the monstrous twister is on top of them. Little do they know that even if they do survive the storm, their ordeal will have only just begun...

When a tornado watch is issued one Tuesday evening in June, twelve-year-old Dan Hatch and his best friend, Arthur, don't think much of it. After all, tornado warnings are a way of life during the summer in Grand Island, Nebraska. But soon enough, the wind begins to howl, and the lights and telephone stop working. Then the emergency siren starts to wail. Dan, his baby brother, and Arthur have only seconds to get to the basement before the monstrous twister is on top of them. Little do they know that even if they do survive the storm, their ordeal will have only just begun. . . .

Thursday, August 17, 1899, had been as ordinary as dishwater for Cassie Tucker, who lives near Blue Hill, Nebraska. Up until nightfall, that is, when the telegram arrives saying an orphaned cousin is traveling to their farm. Cousin Evan fits in at first, but his independent ways set him apart from Preacher Tucker's family.As a carefree Indian summer propels the Tuckers toward year's end, Mother Nature tests them with everything from drought to dust storms to a blinding blizzard. Cassie fears she could become an orphan, too, as the family becomes separated and she and Evan must fight for their lives.

They found their way Into the breathtakingly beautiful canyon but will they ever be able to find their way out? Amy is certain that Rick is the boy she'll marry. They're happy, in love -- and nothing could spoil their perfect weekend, hiking the Zion Narrows with Amy's little brother, Ben. But when rain starts falling without any warning, the beautiful, towering canyon walls and the gurgling streams below suddenly become a deathtrap. A flash flood turns Amy's perfect weekend into a nightmarish test of survival. Days of cold, endless rain and little food push them to the breaking point. And Amy's not sure that she likes what she begins to learn about Rick as they fight for their lives. If she gets out of this alive will she be able to forget? Or will she be forced to reconsider just what it means to love someone? ?A pleasant hike turns into a nightmarish test of survival when a flash flood traps a group of hikers in a narrow canyon.Ruckman writes riveting scenes of nature in turmoil and people who will never be quite the same again; her pondering of human vulnerability will make readers pause.? ?BL. 1989 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)

Tornado Alert!Tornado Alert!Tornado alert! Tornado alert! just seconds after the announcement, the radio is dead, the lights go out, and the only sound in the unnaturally quiet night is the horrifying wail of the warning siren.Dans been through a dozen tornado watches before, but this is the real thing -- a twister is about to hit. Alone in the house, be, his best friend, and his infant brother take shelter in the basement. Huddled in the shower, covered by a blanket, they listen to the sounds of the howling, shrieking tornado. The world seems about to come to an end On top of them.This harrowing story of a day like any other turned -- almost without warning -- into a nightmare abounds with courage, love, and hope.

Thursday, August 17, 1899, had been as ordinary as dishwater for Cassie Tucker and her family, who live near Blue Hill, Nebraska. Up until nightfall, that is, when the telegram arrives saying an orphaned cousin is traveling to their farm. The idea both thrills and frightens Cassie, who wonders if she'll ever be able to accept this stranger. Evan fits in right as rain at first, but his independent beliefs soon set him apart from Preacher Tucker's family. Cassie wonders if he'll stay for good and worries that he won't.As a carefree Indian summer propels the Tuckers toward a year's end, it seems nothing can come between them and the joyfully awaited twentieth century. They are wrong. Seasons of sorrow lie ahead. Mother Nature tests them with everything from drought to dust storms to a blinding blizzard. Cassie fears she could become an orphan, too, as the family becomes separated and she and Evan must fight for their lives.