Young Adult Review: Storm Shelter by April Salee (Updated Version)

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

Storm Shelter is written by April Salee and is published by Whitepaper Books. In it, we meet Amelia Barber who returns home early from school due to a severe storm about to hit her area. Upon reaching home, Amelia realizes that she does not have her house key. She is about to seek alternate shelter from the storm when she is abruptly pulled underground. She comes face to face with Starla, an Earth Ranger. Starla protects those in need and informs Amelia that she has the potential for great things in the future. She explains this is why she was saved from the now-escalating storm above.

Amelia is skeptical, wanting to be just an ordinary girl growing up doing ordinary things. But soon she realizes that everything the Earth Ranger has said is all true. Sometime later, Amelia is once again approached by Starla. The Earth Ranger begins to inform her of those she is to save, as well as offering her encouragement and guidance. From there Amelia must accept her new role in the world. This includes helping defeat a bully, Clayton Thumbs. And helping a "furry friend", named Dara, that enters Amelia's life and offers some comedy relief. Amelia's world is opened to new possibilities that lead to the discovery of amazing powers she did not know she had.

This story has a lot of underlying messages about caring for others, bullying, and the wonders that we often miss by being embroiled in petty things. Amelia Barber is a great role model for teenagers, with a sharp wit and a caring heart. Salee continues to be an up-and-coming Young Adult writer. There is a sense of wonder in Amelia's narrative and the author's writing style. I look forward to continuing Amelia's story in the next stories.

This new edition has an alternate cover and chapter markers, updating its look from 2016. Salee has also added a letter at the end thanking her readers which is a wonderful addition.

I gave this book five out of five stars for this re-read. I walked away from Storm Shelter with a positive feeling. The messages in the book are much needed in today's world. Kindness never hurt anyone. At times, we need to remember this.

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