Saddleback Educational Publishing - Twister

Original text by Ed Hansen
Adapted by Mary Kate Doman

Copyright 2012 by Saddleback Educational Publishing
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, scanning, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-1-61651-626-0
ISBN-10: 1-61651-626-7
eBook: 978-1-61247-311-6

Printed in Guangzhou, China
0611/CA21100644

16 15 14 13 12 1 2 3 4 5 6

Rafael Silva sat in his home office. He thought about the e-mail he just got.

Plains, Kansas, needed a watering system. Plains had a lot of farms that needed water. Rafael had been asked to design the system.

It sounded like a hard project. He talked to Ana. They decided that Rafael should do the project.

He called the mayor of Plains. And he took the job. Then he asked about housing. He decided to rent a farmhouse.

Rafael went to talk to Ana. He wanted Antonio to come with him. It was summer break.

Hed love that, Ana said. Isnt that tornado country? You know how Antonio loves tornadoes!

I know, said Rafael. I think hell love it.

Plains is near my older sisters house. Maybe Lilia could fly with you guys. She can visit Sara, said Ana.

Thats a great idea, Rafael told Ana. Ill get plane tickets for Monday. Well let the kids know tonight.

The kids were excited about the trip. Antonio had always wanted to go to tornado country! Lilia couldnt wait to see her aunt. Tia Sara always asked her to visit. But Lilia never wanted to fly alone. This was perfect.

Franco had football practice. So he couldnt go to Plains.

Have a great time, said Franco. Stay out of danger! You know how Dads trips turn out!

Antonio smiled. I wish you were coming, Franco.

Not a chance! Franco said. Not after everything youve told me about tornadoes!

He doesnt know everything about tornadoes, Lilia said. On Monday Ana kissed Lilia on the cheek.

Have fun! said Ana. And dont worry about tornadoes.

Ill call you, Rafael said. When we get to the rental. Promise.

They got snacks for the plane. Everyone said good-bye. Three of the Silvas were off to Kansas.

The flight wasnt too bad. And their rental car was nice. But Plains was a long drive from the airport. Rafael drove. They didnt see many cars.

Antonio looked out the window. He saw nothing but flatland. Prairie land. Mostly dirt. He saw a lot of tractors.

Theres the farmhouse, Rafael said.

He pointed. Antonio and Lilia leaned forward. They looked out the window.

Its so little! Lilia said.

Antonio thought the house looked small too. But it was still far away. They got closer. They saw that it was big. It made the house in the Heights look small. Everyone got out of the car.

A creek is behind the woods. He pointed. My job is to get that water to those fields.

Thats called irrigation, Antonio said.

Youre right, his dad agreed.

Lilia looked around. This place is creepy, she said. Theres nothing but fields.

Corn is planted in those fields. Soon it will be tall. And everything will be green, said Rafael. Well, only if I can make the watering system work.

Ill help you, Antonio said I know all about that.

Antonio and Lilia got their bags. The inside of the house was nice. The kitchen was big. There were a lot of windows. Lilia looked out. She saw fields and trees.

Lilia ran to the biggest bedroom. She put her bag on the bed. Antonio was mad. He wanted the biggest bedroom. But Lilia wasnt staying long. She was going to visit Tia Sara. Good! Hed move into the big room when she was gone!

Antonios room was small. The walls were gray. There was a picture on the wall. It showed some dogs playing cards. Antonio laughed at the picture. He liked it!

Lilia and Antonio looked around the rest of the house.

Hey, Dad, somethings missing, Antonio said.

Whats that? asked Rafael.

A basement! Antonio said.

Rafael smiled. Get Lilia. Come outside with me, he said.

There was a tree outside the house. Rafael walked to it. He pointed at two doors in the ground. The doors had rusty handles.

Thats the storm shelter, Rafael said. We go in there if a tornado is coming. After we close the doors behind us, well be safe.

How do we know if a tornado is coming? Lilia asked.

It almost always rains hard before a tornado, said Rafael. And sometimes theres hail. If it hails, run to the storm shelter.

Dont worry, Dad, said Antonio. We will!

Whats over there? Lilia asked. Is that another storm shelter?

She pointed to another strange thing on the farm.

Thats an old well, said Rafael. Its dry now. There hasnt been water in it for years. Lets go into town now. I need to find out about my project.

They drove toward the town. Antonio looked out the back window. He looked at the farmhouse. It seemed small as they drove away. Antonio thought a twister could easily pick it up.

Antonio looked upset. The town wasnt what he thought it would be.

Is this it? Antonio asked.

Plains is a small town, said Rafael. Towns are like cities. But they are much smaller. Most of Plains is here on Main Street.

Antonio looked up and down the street. There were no tall buildings. A flag was outside the bank. A restaurant, store, and gas station were all painted white.

Rafael walked over to the biggest building. A sign said City Hall. There was a city hall in the Heights too. The people who ran the city worked there.

Lilia saw a little park. The Silvas walked there. There was a statue in the center. There were benches. And big, shady trees. An old man sat on a bench. Lilia thought it was a nice park.

The old man watched Lilia look at the trees. He smiled at her.

Dont see too many trees on the prairie, the old man said. They catch the breeze. Its shady here. And cool.

A girl about Antonios age walked up to them. Hi, Mr. Black, she said.

The old man said hello. Then the girl turned.

My name is Jenna. Are you new in town? the girl asked.

Yes, but Im only visiting, Antonio said. Im Antonio.

Then Jenna said hello to Lilia and Rafael.

Nice to meet you, Lilia said.

Will you guys be okay out here? asked Rafael. I need to go inside city hall. I have a meeting.

Well be fine, Antonio said.

Ill watch them, said Jenna. Ive lived in Plains forever.

Antonio laughed. He and Jenna were the same age! He didnt need to be watched. But Jenna smiled at him. He wanted to frown at her. But he couldnt.

Dont worry. Theyll be all right, Mr. Black said. Ill tell them a story about Colonel Pibb.

Rafael thanked Mr. Black. Then he went.

Whos Colonel Pibb? Antonio asked.

The man on that statue, Mr. Black said. Hes a Civil War hero.

Antonio was more interested in tornadoes. So he tried to change the subject.