Hello again from Children’s Institute! Today’s children’s book recommendation is a sweet middle grade novel from a North Carolina author, Stacy McAnulty. This was a book I originally picked up “for work,” as Quail Ridge Books was having an event with her, but I immediately got sucked in and spent the better part of three lunch breaks reading it in the staff room. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did!
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Stacy McAnulty
River Dog Review: This novel has all the elements of a great read – a plucky main character (Lucy, aka Lightning Girl – she was struck by lightning that made her a little OCD and a LOT brilliant at math), a secret (she doesn’t want anyone at her new middle school to know she’s Lightning Girl), new friend drama, understanding adults, and rescued dogs that need to be adopted. A quick read about how everyone has something unique about them that true friends will appreciate. Ages 8+
Publisher Description: A lightning strike gave her a super power…but even a super genius can’t solve the problem of middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Reign, and Counting by Sevens. Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test–middle schoolLucy’s grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook ). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy’s life has already been solved. Unless there’s been a miscalculation?A celebration of friendship, Stacy McAnulty’s smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different.
