My Own Lightning
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- £3.99
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- £3.99
Publisher Description
'Harper Lee has a worthy successor. Wolk is a big new talent' The Times
'It is a magical thing to step into a world created by Wolk' Booklist
'Exceptional' Publishers Weekly
Several months have passed since devastating events changed the sleepy community of Wolf Hollow forever.
Annabelle, still trying to make sense of her own part in them, is caught in a wild and sudden summer storm - and struck by lightning. She wakes with a memory: a fist, pounding on her heart, bringing her back to life. But there is no sign of whoever saved her, and Annabelle cannot understand who would do such a thing and then flee.
To her surprise, Annabelle's brush with lightning leaves her with a strange and beautiful gift: an uncanny connection with the animals around her, and an ability to understand their deepest fears and feelings. And when several newcomers arrive in her life - as well as a figure from the past - Annabelle must use her heightened senses to discover the truth about them all.
A stunning coming of age novel about forgiveness, friendship and our powerful connection with the natural world, from the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of Wolf Hollow, Beyond the Bright Sea and Echo Mountain.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in 1944, one year after her Newbery Honor–winning Wolf Hollow, in the same rural Pennsylvania community, Wolk crafts an exceptional sequel that both builds on the complexity of the previous installment and also stands on its own merit. After lightning strikes Annabelle in a sudden storm, and a "mystery hero" with rough hands restarts her heart, she suddenly becomes attuned to sensory input and the feelings of animals, including the injured and maltreated dogs nurtured by fellow hollow dweller Nora. Subsequently unraveling the truth behind canine cruelty in her community, Annabelle repeatedly encounters known bully Andy Woodberry, whose cruel actions previously led to tragedy. The narrative grapples with nuances and contradictions as Annabelle first resents Andy for the trauma he once caused, then weighs other factors, including his kind actions with animals, in reevaluating his character and motivations. 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. Ages 10–up.