The Secrets of the Storm Vortex: The Lightning Catcher
#3 in Lightning Catcher Series
on Goodreads (75)
What’s inside...
The funny, fast-paced third book in The Lightning Catcher series! Part Storm Chasers and part The 39 Clues, this school adventure story about twelve-year-old Angus McFangus and his dangerous gift for predicting catastrophic weather combines science, weather, and the fantastical.
Angus McFangus and his two best friends, Indigo Midnight and Dougal Dewsnap, are starting their second year at the Perilous Exploratorium for Violent Weather and Vicious Storms, where they are being trained to study and, eventually, become lightning catchers and manage the world's most dangerous weather. They have more than lessons on their minds, however—namely, the fate of Angus's parents, who have been kidnapped by the villain Scabious Dankhart. Angus's parents are kept prisoner in Castle Dankhart, where a violent weather explosion has created a "storm vortex" so that no one can tell what is going on inside. It's Angus, Indigo, and Dougal to the rescue. . . . Will they get there in time and all in one piece? Action-packed, lighthearted, and perfect for reluctant readers!
Why read this book
- Exciting adventure boosts children’s imagination and creativity.
- Features teamwork, courage, and friendship themes.
- Encourages scientific curiosity about weather phenomena.
- Ideal for shared reading, enhancing family bonding.
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be able to control the weather like Angus in the story?
If you had the ability to control one aspect of the weather, what would it be and why?
How do you think teamwork helped Angus and his friends in their adventures?
What are some important lessons Angus learned during his journey?
How would you have handled the challenges Angus faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the book, asking how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Relate the weather-control aspect of the story to simple weather science, which can be both educational and fun to explore together.
Discuss the value of friendship and teamwork highlighted in the book, and relate it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
Point out Angus’s problem-solving strategies and encourage your child to think of times they solved a problem in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Secrets of the Storm Vortex,' the protagonist Angus courageously tackles challenges and dangers associated with natural disasters, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing difficult situations with courage, which can be applied in everyday challenges such as standing up to bullying or trying out new activities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Angus works together with his friends to solve the mysteries and combat the storm, highlighting the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the significance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which can be helpful in group projects and sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The characters' quest to understand the supernatural elements of the storm fosters a spirit of curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers about the world around them, boosting their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and stewardship
Explanation: Angus and his friends take responsibility for managing the crisis, promoting the idea of taking care of one's community and environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being responsible at home, in school, and in the community, understanding their role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment.