This was so good. It also made me really glad that I'm finished with middle school.

Lucy was struck by lightning when she was 8, and because of that she is now a mathematical genius. She's way too smart for regular school. At 12, she's already obtained her GED and could start college. Her Nana has other ideas. She thinks Lucy needs to spend time around kids her age at a public school before she starts college. So they make a deal. Lucy needs to make 1 friend, read 1 book that isn't math related, and join 1 activity during her 1 year of middle school. Lucy is really skeptical and just knows that she is going to hate every second of the school year. Hopefully she will be pleasantly surprised.

For fans of "Counting by 7s" and "Wonders", this story of Lucy, who is brilliant enough to go to college and will be able to, if she can just survive one year in middle school, where all she wants is to blend in. The story was predictable, in the best sort of way, but still made me cry. This feel good middle grade novel is a perfect antidote for a world that seems to be out of control.

Random House Books for Young Readers and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Twelve-year-old Lucy, has been homeschooled by her grandmother since she was struck by lightning when she was eight. The strike had an unintended consequence, a gift of math brilliance that has allowed Lucy to finish the high school curriculum despite being the age of a middle schooler. Ready for college, Lucy is told by her grandmother that she must attend middle school for one year, with the goal to make a friend and join an activity. Despite all that she knows, will Lucy be able to learn how to be with people her own age?

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl was a cute story, but there were some major plot holes. On the positive side, the author really shows how being unique can be an asset and fitting in can be achieved with a little hard work and patience. On the negative side, the story was oversimplified and the character development was lacking. I also found it wholly unrealistic that Lucy would be ready for college when her abilities were in math, not all subjects. Readers are never really given a true picture of Lucy, just of her gifts and how they affect her. The grandmother as the voice of reason was a good touch, especially that she put the brakes on to be certain that her granddaughter was ready for the larger world. As this is a book for young readers, I can see the appeal of Lucy. Kids often feel different than their peers and they might feel a kinship with Lucy.

This is a quirky story about a girl who is just trying to fit in. Unfortunately, being a math genius doesn't help. Lucy was struck by lightning as a young child, which turned her into a math savant. Homeschooled for most of her life, her grandma decides to enroll her in middle school in order to help Lucy make friends. I think this was a great story and one that will resonate with middle grade readers. I can see why it was chosen as Texas Bluebonnet nominee.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl was one of my favorite reads of 2018. I loved the relationship between the main character and her grandmother. McAnulty has presented the trials and tribulations of growing up with such emotion and accuracy that all students will find something to relate to in the story, regardless of whether they have home schooling experience or not. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Oh, I really liked this one!

Lucy was struck by lightning, resulting in superpower-level math skills — and OCD that manifests in rigid routines and patterns. Her grandma, whom she lives with, has homeschooled her ever since, and Lucy’s academically ready to head to college — but her grandma insists she needs to experience middle school for at least one year first. (I don’t love the whole “unsocialized homeschooler finds friends and fulfillment when forced into traditional school” trope and that is definitely A THING in this book.) So Lucy finds herself in a 7th grade classroom, pretending to be “normal.”

The plot of this middle grades book is not going to surprise you (new friends! middle school bullies! becoming comfortable with who you are!), but it’s a charmer nonetheless. I’m especially fond of how well the author wove Lucy’s math-iness throughout the book — so often, being good at math is an entry point to a character that never really gets mentioned again or a substitute for character development. In The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, math is part of how Lucy experiences the world throughout the story. (I think it also manifested as the author using the number 1 instead of the word “one” at some places in the text, which totally matches up to Lucy’s brain but which threw me off occasionally.)

I also appreciated the treatment of Lucy’s OCD, which is also a part of how she experiences the world and not just a problem that she can magically solve by finding a friend or getting a prom makeover.

I loved this book! The full review will be posted soon at kaitgoodwin.com/books! Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to connect books to their readers!

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl follows Lucy, a math genius, as she struggles to take on the challenging world of middle school. Lucy's story, except for the math genius part, could be the story of any kid starting at a new school and trying to get through each day wondering if things will get better.

The only thing I wish had been different was the ending. Too much was left up in the air for my liking. I really just want to know what Lucy decided to do in January.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Stacy McAnulty
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 2018

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. I have a particular weakness for books set in middle school, having taught at that level for 39 years. This book has some great lines, such as, "I've watched enough TV to know that cafeterias are rooms of torture and humiliation in both schools and prisons." "Middle school is supposed to be the worst. It's like a giant hazing for adulthood. We all gotta go through it." The latter line really made me think about what we can do to change that.

I thought McAnulty's portrayal of middle school students was pretty accurate; flighty, self-absorbed, insecure, impulsive, and, at times, delightful. I did do some additional research on acquired savant syndrome, and found some very interesting stories. I appreciated the way that Lucy related to the math teacher (but not the shushing librarian), and how school became important to her for more than just the subject material.

When Lucy was eight years old, she was struck by lightning while holding on to a metal fence. As a result, she has acquired savant syndrome; Lucy can not only tackle any mathematical problem but she can also see math in colors and remembers every set of numbers she hears or sees. It is no surprise that Pi is favorite number (and she can recite it to the 314th decimal place).

Having this rare condition is not without its drawbacks. Lucy has obsessive compulsive tendencies, no offline friends, and hasn’t left the apartment she shared with her Nana for 32 days. While Lucy wants to begin college, Nana proposes an alternate plan. Go to middle school for at least 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. Read 1 book that is not math related. Nana wins.

Lucy accomplishes her first goal quickly. On her first bus ride to school, she becomes friends with socially conscious Windy. But adjusting to middle school is still tough especially because of Lucy’s constant need to sanitize, her repetitive sitting behavior, and her desire to keep her giftedness hidden from her peers including Windy. A group service project with Windy and budding photographer Levi gives Lucy the opportunity to use her math genius for a good cause-helping dogs gets adopted at a local shelter. At the shelter, Lucy meets Cutie Pi, a beagle mix (Yes, you heard it, a beagle!) with a lightning bolt spot on its back and is determined to find him a home. Being a dog mom, seeing Lucy’s affection for Pi was heartwarming. Her relationship with Pi was one of my favorite parts of the story.

Lucy soon learns that all things are not easy to calculate. As a reader, I calculate a few important lessons from this must read middle grade novel.

Sometimes numbers aren’t all that matters.
No problem is unsolvable.
If you have a couple of friends who accept you for who you are, you are pretty lucky.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl is a touching and engaging story about fitting in, finding yourself and most of all, friendship. I already pre-ordered and look forward to its release so that I can share with students.

his book was a genuine joy to read. Such a delight, in fact, that a small part of me wished I could play hooky from work so I could finish reading it. Is it a bit predictable? Perhaps, but no more so than any other middle grade novel. And Lucy is such a strong character that this is worth reading just for her emotional journey. It is pleasant to enter her world, to see her change and grow, to see possibility and hurt and friendship develop. And I appreciated the open ending. The point isn't that her future is all planned out but that she's open to new ideas. I'd easily recommend this to most middle grade readers.

It’s hard to not gush about how much we adored this book! We were first intrigued by the awesome cover (which is even more amazing in person! If you get a copy, be sure to look under the jacket!) and interesting title. As you know, we’re big fans of books that feature STEM-focused smart girls and take on middle school struggles in a different and unique way. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl has both! Lucy’s story is a super fun, refreshing read that is hard to put down and just oozing with heart. We think readers are going to love meeting Lucy and reading along as she discovers that even the hardest problems can be solved and that true friends are willing to accept you no matter what.

Speaking of friends, we absolutely ADORED Lucy’s friends Levi and Wendy. The three of them are so different, but they all fit together so well – something that is true of so many real-life friendships. We also loved how Lucy’s grandmother encouraged her to break free of her comfort zone, something we all need to do every once in awhile in order to learn and grow. All in all, we adore this book and know that you will too.

Every since Lucy was struck by lightning when she was younger she has been a mathematical genius. She loves math and has all sorts of "friends" in her online math groups. But, she also has some quirks - OCD behaviors. She has been homeschool for a long time but now her Nana is forcing her to go to middle school - make real friends, adjust, be "normal"
Lucy is very hesitant and works really hard at fitting in - don't let anyone know she's a genius, wear the right clothes, etc but it is hard. She is fortunate enough to make a few friends and as a group they find a community service project to work on. But when one of her friends betrays her trust and the one dog that she has tried so hard not to love is in danger of being put down, Lucy realizes that her calculations about life are not adding up.
While there are familiar themes this book has enough freshness to make it enjoyable.

I might have to warn a few kids about the sick dog, but otherwise this is a great middle grade book. Great for kids who love books like Wonder, Counting by 7s, The Thing About Jellyfish.

Beyond being annoyed about the premise that homeschooled kids don't socialize or make friends- I liked this story.

Outstanding! Lucy is one of my favorite characters of all time. And the cast around her is excellent, too. Beautiful story of finding your place and using your gifts. Stellar story from start to finish.

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning, and her life changed in ways she could have never imagined. She went from an ordinary young girl to a math savant, able to calculate the most complex problems in her head in seconds. Lucy spends most of her childhood completing online school programs and identifies her "friends" as strangers on a math chat room. Her grandma and uncle decide that it's time for Lucy to make some real friends her own age. Can Lucy calculate her way through middle school? Read this humorous book as she navigates her way through 7th grade.

Lucy was struck by lightning when she was eight and, due to the damage to her brain, became a mathematical genius. She has been homeschooled, but her grandmother insists that Lucy go to public school so she can try something new and make a friend. Lucy, who'd rather take college classes and be friends with the others in her virtual math clubs, is less than excited about starting middle school. Although Lucy tries to hide her math talents in an effort to appear as normal as possible, her OCD tendencies cause many of her peers to view her as peculiar. Middle grade readers will be able to relate to challenges that Lucy faces, such as feeling like she doesn't fit in and dealing with classmates who are unkind. Through her middle school journey, Lucy learns the value of friendship and realizes that her math abilities don't define her. Lucy is a unique and endearing character whose story will show readers that it's possible to find your way even when you feel out of place. This story is both sweet and hopeful. There's a charming dog, as well, who readers will be rooting for along with Lucy. This is one of those books I want to put in the hands of middle grade readers because it has the potential to help readers grow their understanding that we are all different and, also, see possibilities when they feel different.

This book is well written, compelling, and the kind of book I'm recommending to friends. Lucy, the MC is a brilliant, likable, awkward, and relatable 12 year old kid. Being hit by lightning at age 8 is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of things that make Lucy different. Not only does Lucy have her quirks, but she's also raised by her grandmother and entering school after 4 years of homeschooling. Stacy McAnulty does a really good job of showing the inner workings of a middle school girl. Lucy's struggle with OCD will evoke discussion and resonate with kids who have anxiety and worry about being different. Genious or not, all middle schoolers want to fit in. The fact that Lucy doesn't want anyone to know about her math ability makes sense. It also makes the reader really feel for her when things fall apart for her socially.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it!

4.5/5 Stars

This book was a breath of fresh air, with a uniquely intelligent MC who we can truly root for!

What Fed My Addiction:

A mathematical mind.
When Lucy was struck by lightning, she woke up with genius-level mathematical skills: acquired savant syndrome is the technical name for it. This, in itself, is really interesting, but Lucy’s mathematical skills affect the way she sees the world in so many ways. For instance, she “sees” numbers as colors, sees complex geometrical shapes in the world around her, and she is constantly counting and calculating everything. In addition, we’re given many tiny glimpses into the way her mind truly works—little details that add so much to her character. An example is how every number in the book is written numerically (even if it’s something like, “that 1 girl we met”). It’s these little touches that make the book fun. I loved being inside Lucy’s unique mind!

OCD.
Lucy also suffers from OCD, which makes her stand out among her peers in some pretty unavoidable ways. While I don’t have OCD myself, it seemed to me that McAnulty thoroughly researched Lucy’s issues, and the representation feels very real to me based on what I’ve been told from others who do struggle with it. I appreciated that there were no solutions or cures presented in the book—just ways of dealing with those struggles.

Relatable middle grade issues.
Even though Lucy is incredibly unusual herself, the story focuses on many issues that any middle grader would relate to: wanting to fit in (and sometimes pretending to be something you’re not in order to do so), keeping secrets from friends and feeling betrayed by them, the desire to get past the point where everyone looks at you like a kid … and more!

Positive adult figures.
Unlike in some kids’ books, the adults in this book are all portrayed positively, as people who want to help (and who are capable of helping, even if they can’t magically solve every problem). Sure, there’s one teacher who gives Lucy a slightly hard time, but it’s based more on misunderstanding than anything else, and she isn’t a dumb or horrible adult. Lucy’s grandmother and uncle are delightful, and I love the portrayal of a unique family that works.

Dogs!
I’m a sucker for dogs, and the kids’ project at a pet shelter plays a large role in the book. (I’ll warn you that there’s a part of the book that made me cry involving a dog—in case your MG reader is sensitive to that sort of thing—but it all ends up okay.)

What Left Me Hungry for More:

Not much.
I really can’t think of anything specifically negative to say. There are some books that deal a little more seriously with OCD and friendship issues, but I think it’s sometimes nice to have a less “heavy” alternative for some kids (my daughter can’t read books that are too sad or scary, so this one would work well for her). For a MG audience, I think this book hit just the right tone.

Lightning Girl grabs your attention right from the start and never lets go. I flew through the book and enjoyed every minute of it. I give it 4.5/5 Stars.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***