Title: THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL
Author: Stacy McAnulty
Pub. Date: May 1, 2018
Publisher: Random House
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 304
Summary
Middle school is the one problem Lucy Callahan can't solve in this middle-grade novel perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Reign, and Counting by 7s.
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 school!
Lucy'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.
"An engaging story, full of heart and hope. Readers of all ages will root for Lucy, aka Lightning Girl. No miscalculations here!" --Kate Beasley, author of Gertie's Leap to Greatness
Review
You know how there are those books that once you have time to read, you just fall down the rabbit hole with them? That is what happened with this book. Once I knew Lucy, I couldn't leave her story.
I think readers are going to love meeting Lucy. She has flaws, but they are different than what is typically found in middle grade novels. At first glance they look familiar - friendships, fitting in, solving problems, being different. But with a twist on them - being struck by lightning, being an acquired math savant, having OCD, different family makeups - it becomes a new story. In fact, I think this book is going to be a welcome breath of fresh air to readers because it goes beyond the typical fitting into middle school story. We've seen many stories how it is hard to fit in, but what about when you know you don't fit in because the strangest thing has happened to you? And we've read stories of trying to hide who you really are, but what about hiding how good you are at something? I think with these twists, middle grade readers are going to love reading this story.
And a realistic fiction middle grade book always needs friends. This book has great supporting friend characters with Levi and Windy. They are both unique and have their own back stories, but I love how their personalities compliment Lucy's in the same satisfying way as when puzzle pieces fit together - you know those pieces that you really don't think will fit, but then it surprisingly just fits... that's the friendship the threesome ends up being.
I have been a fan of Stacy McAnulty for some time now. I've shared her picture books, nonfiction picture books and transitional chapter books with readers for some time now. I think McAnulty absolutely hit this first-time middle grade book out of the park and solidifies her as one talented writer.
Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert, illustrated by Deborah Hocking, Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in May 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 husband.
Ready to own a copy of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl for your own library? Thanks to Rockstar Book Tours, they are giving away 3 copies of this amazing book (US only). Be sure to take the time and enter this fantastic giveaway. You're going to need a copy... or two... or three!
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Don't miss the other stops on this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about the book and Stacy.
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I enjoy many of Stacy's books. I am glad she wrote a middle grade novel!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited for this one!! Any book in which there are miscalculations and mistakes, and imperfection is embraced is a win. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI loved the narrative voice in Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years. This middle grade novel is definitely going on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteStacy is so versatile and prolific! I'm excited to read this one too, Michele! Congrats, Stacy!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks excellent. Thanks for sharing, Michele.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance! We'd love to win a copy for our school library!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lot of good things going on in this middle school story.
ReplyDeleteI'm adding this to my list right now. Thank you for sharing a great review. I definitely rely on my #imwayr group to inform and inspire me!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fabulous read Michelle. I would enter, but it seems there are issues with delivering books to Canada.
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