My Own Lightning - by Lauren Wolk

About the Book

Several months after the tragic events set in motion by bully Betty Glengarry, Annabelle McBride is struck by lightning during a powerful summer storm, leaving her with heightened senses that give her a new understanding of animals and help her learn about compassion and forgiveness.

Book Synopsis

Bestselling author Lauren Wolk returns to the world of Wolf Hollow, in this sequel to her beloved, Newbery Honor-winning debut.

★ "A powerful story to electrify the soul." -Booklist, starred review

"Deep, dark, and indelible." --The Times of London

It's been several months since the tragic events set in motion by bully Betty Glengarry, and the routine of daily life in Wolf Hollow has slowly returned. But for Annabelle McBride it's hard to move forward and make peace with what feels like threadbare justice.

Newly warm summer days are about to bring a jolt of change on the winds of a powerful storm. In its wake, the search for her brother's missing dog will set Annabelle on a new path that brings her to unfamiliar doorsteps and reunites her with a too-familiar adversary--Andy Woodberry, who was complicit in Betty's most terrible acts. Growing up and blazing her own trail will soon force Annabelle to reexamine deeply felt truths--about people, about justice, about herself--that had once seemed so uncomplicated.

Bestselling author Lauren Wolk (Beyond the Bright Sea, Echo Mountain) returns to World War II-era Western Pennsylvania in this luminous sequel to her Newbery Honor-winning debut, Wolf Hollow, proving once again why her acclaimed novels have been celebrated as "historical fiction at its finest."

Review Quotes

"Wolk writes like a fever dream while raising questions about our capacities for forgiveness. Deep, dark, and indelible." --The Times of London

★ "A powerful story to electrify the soul." --Booklist, starred review

★ "With a memorable heroine, a finely honed voice, a distinctive setting, and deeply grounded relationships, this thought-provoking novel raises ethical issues about personal flaws and forgiveness." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Historical fiction for middle-grade readers who relish a warm family story with an energetic plot; a character who comes into her own; and a fully realized, sensory-rich setting." --The Horn Book

"Poignant. Tugs at the heartstrings while gently guiding readers to explore understanding complicated people, what's true, and what matters." --Common Sense Media

"My Own Lightning teaches young readers that although tragedy shapes us, it does not have to define us." --The Historical Novel Society

"Steeped in themes of growth and acceptance, a solid continuation of an impactful first installment." --Kirkus Reviews

ACCLAIM FOR LAUREN WOLK'S WOLF HOLLOW --A Newbery Honor Book

- An NPR Best Book of the Year - A Booklist Best Book of the Year - An Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year - A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year - A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year - A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year - A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of the Year - An ALA Notable Children's Book

"The honesty of Wolf Hollow will just about shred your heart, but Annabelle's courage and compassion will restore it to you, fuller than before. This book matters." --Sara Pennypacker, New York Times bestselling author of Pax

"An evocative setting, memorable characters, a searing story: Wolf Hollow has stayed with me long after I closed the book. It has the feel of an instant classic." --Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author

"Wrenching and true. . . . comparisons to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird will abound. But Wolk gives us her own story--one full of grace and stark, brutal beauty." --New York Times Book Review

"This exquisite debut confronts injustice and doesn't flinch." --People

About the Author

Lauren Wolk is an award-winning poet, artist, and author. She is the author of Echo Mountain, Newbery Honor-winner Wolf Hollow, and Scott O'Dell Award-winner Beyond the Bright Sea. Lauren was born in Baltimore and has since lived in California, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Canada, and Ohio. She now lives with her family on Cape Cod.