posted on 29 Jul 2025

When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

We’re probably all having to come to terms with living in an age of weather extremes driven by climate change and this forms the backdrop to former teacher turned novelist, Polly Ho-Yen's high-octane story for young adults that brings us face-to-face with that reality.

When four very different children, their very pregnant teacher and (eventually) the school caretaker find themselves trapped after-hours in their school as a deluge of almost biblical proportions batters down on them from the leaden skies, new alliances, new friendships and a whole catalogue of potential disasters test their ability to survive.

Mali (real name Amaryllis) is finding the transition to his new school difficult to say the least – he’s become the target of bullies, especially the belligerent Petey who seems to have made it his mission to make Mali’s life a misery. But unexpected relief is on the way in the form of another newcomer, Shiyoon who is effortlessly cool and takes a shine to Mali. The two new friends blossom and all seems fine – until, abruptly, Shiyoon announces he’s leaving for New York because his parents have new jobs there.

Once again Mali is plunged into doubt and despair and the bullying looks like its going to get even worse than it used to be. When Mali, Petey and two other pupils – Jonesy and Fara – are asked by their pregnant teacher, Miss Divine, to stay behind in the library one afternoon after school to take part in a special project, the four youngsters find themselves watching a titanic storm beginning to build outside.

Soon it becomes clear that this isn’t just any old rainstorm – this is something genuinely dangerous. And then real disaster strikes – all power is lost and the library doors are locked shut and unable to open. At first the pupils and their teacher are confident help must be on the way – but is it? How can these four seemingly mismatched youngsters find a way of working together and trusting each other in their increasingly desperate struggle to not just save themselves but their very pregnant teacher?

I’m not going to tell you any more at this stage because you will undoubtedly want to read this for yourself and find out the extraordinary series of dangers and misadventures they have to deal with and whether, ultimately, they can face down the extreme jeopardy that confronts them.

It’s a story of resilience, resourcefulness and friendship that is also a breathless page-turner and will keep you up reading until you get to the very end.

Published by Knights Of, you will be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop – whole will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves.

Terry Potter

July 2025