My Own LIghtning

My Own Lightning

Lauren Wolk

Dutton/Penguin, 2022

307 pages

Grades 5-8

Historical Fiction

Seven years after the publication of her Newbery winning Wolf Hollow, Wolk continues Annabelle's story soon after the tragic events of the previous book conclude. Annabelle, still reeling from the double deaths of Toby and Betty, finds herself trapped in a lightning storm. She is struck and loses consciousness. Upon awakening Annabelle is aware of rough hands, who bring her back to life and then disappear. Once her father appears and takes her home, Annabelle is ready to recover with her life thankfully saved. She is both bewildered and delighted to discover that since the strike she has superhuman senses and can mentally communicate with dogs. This skill brings her to a farm down the road where new neighbors have something to hide, both physically in their barn and emotionally. Meanwhile, a fancy-man is looking for a his lost dog and it seems as if this is not the only dog missing in the area. Annabelle's path crosses with Andy, Betty's former co-conspirator, and she has to decide whether or not to trust him, and he must do the same with her. Annabelle discovers that people are not always what they seem, as well as the importance of family and the value of our animal friends, as she heals from her past and moves forward to her future.

I loved Wolf Hollow and find myself recommending it often to readers. I re-read this award winning title in order to refresh myself for it's sequel and found that I still love it. I enjoyed this new edition just as much--if not more. Wolf still offers little mysteries within the pages (the true identity of the fancy man with the lost dog, what the new neighbors are hiding, the truth behind Andy), which will keep readers on their toes and turning pages. The story, much like it's predecessor, is seeped in it's rural Pennsylvania WWII setting and Annabelle's voice perfectly reflects her time and place. I love Wolk's writing and turn of phrase and found myself re-reading passages that are beautifully crafted. The lightning strike resulting in animal communication is very cool and readers will envy Annabelle's new gift. Wolk makes a strong message against animal cruelty, which will also resound with the target audience. Other themes include the power of forgiveness, not jumping to conclusions about people and working within a community. Knowledge of the first book is extremely recommended, though I know a young reader who read this without the first and did okay. That said, he said that after reading Wolf Hollow he understood this sequel much better. A great duet that makes me wonder if it will become a trilogy?