It is the day after Henry's birthday. His father offered to take him to the zoo, but since his dad is the director, Henry goes to the zoo all the time. His goal at the moment is to avoid having to help with Tuna Day. There's not much he can do to avoid the smell, but he doesn't want to be dragged directly into the smelly operation.
The zoo and tuna end up being the last things on Henry's mind when he watches a jetliner crash into the Ludd's family farm compound. The jet and the hundreds of dead bodies are just the beginning of what everyone will call "The Switch." According to Henry's uncle the disaster is the result of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse). Anything that runs with the aid of computer chips is kaput. That means no cell phones, computers, most cars and trucks, and the electric grid that powers homes and businesses.
Lucky for Henry and his large extended family, his uncle recently erected a huge wind turbine. Most of the family and close neighbors called the thing a monstrosity, but the power it generates might just be what saves them. It might also be trouble when others without power get wind of the turbine's benefits.
All attention is focused on survival. The dead as a result of the plane crash must be buried, available food must be preserved and stored, and the farm compound must be secured. In the midst of the chaos, Henry is worried about his father who hasn't returned from his trip to the zoo. What follows is a series of frantic rescue missions involving a trip to the city, car chases, a dangerous trip down the river, a hideout in the forest, and more bad guys than you can shake a stick at.
Author Roland Smith, a personal favorite of mine when it comes to adventure and hijinks, has created an action-packed, dystopian tale you won't want to miss. Perfect for middle grade readers and up, this one doesn't disappoint.
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