While eNotes does not yet have a study guide for this riveting novel, I can definitely help you with a summary of the story and the prevalent themes. In this novel, it is through the eyes of twelve-year-old Danny Hatch that we witness a series of tornadoes (also called twisters) in Grand Island, Nebraska.

While Danny and his friend Arthur are hanging out at Danny's house one evening, their TV-watching is interrupted by a tornado warning. Danny's mother then goes out to check on an elderly neighbor, leaving Danny and Arthur alone with Danny's infant brother, Ryan. The first tornado suddenly hits, forcing the boys into the basement while the house above them is obliterated.

After the storm has passed, the boys manage to locate their families. More tornadoes follow, bringing more drama into our young protagonists' lives. After the main action, an epilogue tells us about the lives of Danny, Arthur, and their families a year on from the tragedy. In a nutshell, the Hatch's home has been rebuilt, and Danny and his family are able to go back to some sort of normal.

The obvious theme in this award-winning novel is natural disasters and their impact. For at least a year, there is massive upheaval in Danny and Arthur's lives as a result of this series of tornadoes.

Hand in hand with that theme comes bravery. These young boys had to face a series of horrors, especially during the first twister, which they endure alone. History is another theme, as this book is based on real events which took place in 1980.