Wolk, Lauren. My Own Lightning. Fiction. Dutton, 05/2022. 307pp. $17.99 978-0-525-55559-9. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES 5-8.
In this sequel to Wolf Hollow (2016), Annabelle begins summer vacation by being hit by lightning, which heightens her senses—she can understand how dogs are feeling. This comes in handy when she meets the new neighbors who are harboring injured dogs, including her brother Henry’s dog. Although this is not quite as compelling as Wolf Hollow, and the post-WW II time period is not distinctive, the rural setting and characterizations are just as good even if the plot is not as strong. This small community appears to be all white. The ending is really well done. Most readers of the first book will appreciate this thoughtful, well-written follow-up.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool