Step into the whirlwind world of Storm Runners, where 13-year-old Chase Masters dodges hurricanes, outsmarts floods, and faces nature’s fury with heart-pounding courage! Roland Smith’s middle-grade series blends action, survival, and coming-of-age themes, captivating young readers with its fast-paced storytelling and relatable hero. Perfect for fans of natural disaster adventures, this trilogy is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Chase, a teen trained by his storm-chasing dad, learns life lessons on the road, far from any classroom. But when epic disasters strike, his skills are tested in ways that keep readers glued to the page. Let’s dive into the stormy saga of Storm Runners and discover why it’s a must-read for adventure lovers!
How Storm Runners Began
Roland Smith, a former zookeeper with a passion for animals and adventure, crafted Storm Runners to thrill middle-grade readers. Drawing from his experiences in animal rescue and conservation, Smith infused the series with realistic survival scenarios and a deep respect for nature’s power. Published by Scholastic, the trilogy kicked off in 2010, born from Smith’s knack for placing young heroes in high-stakes settings, much like his earlier hits like Peak and Cryptid Hunters.
Smith’s inspiration? A fascination with natural disasters and the resilience of youth. He wanted to create a series that not only delivered adrenaline-pumping action but also explored family, friendship, and personal growth. The result is a trilogy that feels both cinematic and grounded, with Chase Masters as its beating heart.
The Heart of Storm Runners
The Storm Runners trilogy includes three gripping books: Storm Runners (2010), The Surge (2011), and Eruption (2012). In Storm Runners, Chase and his dad chase Hurricane Emily to Florida, only for the storm to veer toward Chase’s temporary home at the Rossi Brothers’ Circus farm. When their school bus crashes into a lake, Chase must lead his friends Nicole and Rashawn to safety through raging winds and alligator-infested waters. The Surge picks up immediately, with rising floodwaters and escaped circus animals—like a menacing leopard—adding to the chaos. Eruption takes Chase to Mexico, where an earthquake and looming volcanic eruption threaten the Rossi family’s circus troupe.
The series shines with its blend of survival, teamwork, and coming-of-age themes. Set against vivid backdrops like Florida’s stormy coast and Mexico’s volcanic terrain, Smith’s writing immerses readers in the chaos of nature. Chase’s growth from a skilled but grieving teen to a confident leader resonates deeply, while the circus setting adds a unique flair with its colorful characters and animals. The fast-paced, cliffhanger-driven style makes each book a page-turner, perfect for reluctant readers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Beyond action, Storm Runners explores loss—Chase’s mother and sister died in a car accident—and the rebuilding of family bonds. Smith balances heart-pounding escapes with moments of emotional depth, making the series relatable for tweens navigating their own challenges. Its realistic portrayal of disasters, informed by Smith’s expertise, adds authenticity that grounds the high-stakes drama.
Why Storm Runners Resonates
Storm Runners has carved a niche among middle-grade readers, especially those drawn to survival stories and natural disaster tales. Its appeal lies in its accessibility—short chapters and relentless action make it a hit with reluctant readers, while complex characters spark meaningful discussions about resilience and teamwork. Fans praise its intense pacing and Chase’s realistic skills, honed by his unconventional upbringing, which inspire young readers to face their own fears.
The series’ legacy endures through its ability to blend education with entertainment. Teachers and librarians recommend it for its vivid settings and themes of perseverance, often pairing it with books like Hatchet or the I Survived series. For kids who dream of outsmarting a hurricane or saving the day, Storm Runners remains a thrilling gateway to adventure literature.
- Publication Years: 2010–2012
- Number of Books: 3 (Storm Runners, The Surge, Eruption)
- Target Age: 8–12 years
- Genre: Middle-grade action-adventure
Grab Storm Runners and dive into a world where courage meets chaos! Join Chase Masters on his heart-racing journey through nature’s wildest storms—you won’t want to put it down!