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Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning
Violet is happy with things just the way they are in her sleepy, backwoods Florida town. She loves going to the fish fry with her best friend Lottie, and collecting Brain Freeze cups with her good friend Eddie. She loves squeezing into the open trunk of the old cypress tree, looking for alligators in the river, and witnessing lightning storms on a warm summer day. But when Melissa moves to town from big city Detroit, all of a sudden Violet's supposed to want to wear makeup, and talk about boys, and play Truth or Dare. Violet's not interested in any of those things . . . but with the help of her friends, her mama, a few run-ins with lightning, and maybe even Melissa, Violet finds that growing up doesn't have to mean changing who you are. Violet's story is a classic tale of best friends, budding romance, and bad storms, and her authentic, pitch-perfect voice is sure to stay with readers long after the very last page.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
December 8, 2021
Violet, Eddie und Lottie sind gute Freunde, die sich schon seit ihrer frühen Kindheit kennen. Sie unternehmen vieles gemeinsam. Eines Tages zieht Melissa mit ihrer Familie in die Nachbarschaft. Lottie freundet sich sofort mit Melissa an, was Violet gar nicht verstehen kann. Melissa passt doch gar nicht zu ihnen; sie trägt schon einen BH und Make up! Violet ist eifersüchtig, als Lottie immer mehr mit Melissa gemensam unternimmt. Und als dann auch noch der Blitz in Lotties Haus einschlägt und sie vorübergehend bei Melissa wohnt, ist das für Violet kaum noch auszuhalten. Doch nach und nach lernt sie, Melissa zu akzeptieren und zu begreifen, dass Lottie trotzdem ihre beste Freundin bleiben kann.
Meine Meinung:
Das Buch ist laut Verlag gedacht für junge Leser im Alter von ca. 11 bis 12 Jahren. Dieser Empfehlung kann ich mich uneingeschränkt anschließen. Es ist ein sehr schönes Buch über die Freundschaft und über dieses ganz spezielle Alter, in dem aus Kindern langsam Teenager werden. So langsam werden Puppen uninteressant; dafür spricht man nun über Schminke, Jungs und den ersten BH! Der Schreibstil ist ideal für junge Leser und Leserinnen, und die Kapitel sind genau in der richtigen Länge.
Ich konnte mich beim Lesen gut in Violet hineinversetzen. Einerseits kann sie Melissa nicht leiden - ist sie doch so ganz anders! Aber ein bisschen neugierig ist Violet trotzdem, denn Melissa ist schon etwas reifer für ihr Alter.
Und dann ist da noch Eddie, den Violet bisher nur als guten Freund gesehen hat, mit dem man Pferde stehen kann. Aber Melissa findet Eddie süß, und plötzlich fällt auch Violet auf, was Eddie doch für schöne blaue Augen hat!
Die Autorin hat genau die Themen angesprochen, die junge LeserInnen in dem Alter wohl am meisten interessieren. Sie schreibt auf eine sehr feine und nachvollziehbare Art, die mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Dabei liest man immer wieder gut heraus, wie wichtig Freundschaften sind und dass jeder seinen Teil beizutragen hat, damit die Freundschaft hält.
Meine Meinung:
Das Buch ist laut Verlag gedacht für junge Leser im Alter von ca. 11 bis 12 Jahren. Dieser Empfehlung kann ich mich uneingeschränkt anschließen. Es ist ein sehr schönes Buch über die Freundschaft und über dieses ganz spezielle Alter, in dem aus Kindern langsam Teenager werden. So langsam werden Puppen uninteressant; dafür spricht man nun über Schminke, Jungs und den ersten BH! Der Schreibstil ist ideal für junge Leser und Leserinnen, und die Kapitel sind genau in der richtigen Länge.
Ich konnte mich beim Lesen gut in Violet hineinversetzen. Einerseits kann sie Melissa nicht leiden - ist sie doch so ganz anders! Aber ein bisschen neugierig ist Violet trotzdem, denn Melissa ist schon etwas reifer für ihr Alter.
Und dann ist da noch Eddie, den Violet bisher nur als guten Freund gesehen hat, mit dem man Pferde stehen kann. Aber Melissa findet Eddie süß, und plötzlich fällt auch Violet auf, was Eddie doch für schöne blaue Augen hat!
Die Autorin hat genau die Themen angesprochen, die junge LeserInnen in dem Alter wohl am meisten interessieren. Sie schreibt auf eine sehr feine und nachvollziehbare Art, die mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Dabei liest man immer wieder gut heraus, wie wichtig Freundschaften sind und dass jeder seinen Teil beizutragen hat, damit die Freundschaft hält.
August 18, 2008
In many ways, Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning (Walker Books, August 2008) is a coming-of-age story, but here's the thing... Violet Raines is coming of age on her own terms and in her own sweet time.
Danette Haworth's debut middle grade novel is perfect for kids like Violet who aren't in a hurry to grow up, girls who are still more interested in mud pies than makeup. Violet faces her share of issues -- a long time boy friend whose really nice eyes she's suddenly noticing, a new girl who just moved to town from the city, and a best friend who thinks that glamorous lifestyle is pretty interesting. It throws Violet for a loop, and when her friend's family faces financial troubles, Violet has to decide what's really important through all those crazy changes.
There are so many things to praise about this novel -- the lively, quirky characters, Violet's fabulous voice, the Florida-in-summer setting, painted so perfectly I kept swatting imaginary mosquitoes while I read.
I loved this book. Really loved it, the way I love fireflies and lake swimming and ice cream cones in summer. Any kid you know who loves that sort of thing is going to love it, too.
Danette Haworth's debut middle grade novel is perfect for kids like Violet who aren't in a hurry to grow up, girls who are still more interested in mud pies than makeup. Violet faces her share of issues -- a long time boy friend whose really nice eyes she's suddenly noticing, a new girl who just moved to town from the city, and a best friend who thinks that glamorous lifestyle is pretty interesting. It throws Violet for a loop, and when her friend's family faces financial troubles, Violet has to decide what's really important through all those crazy changes.
There are so many things to praise about this novel -- the lively, quirky characters, Violet's fabulous voice, the Florida-in-summer setting, painted so perfectly I kept swatting imaginary mosquitoes while I read.
I loved this book. Really loved it, the way I love fireflies and lake swimming and ice cream cones in summer. Any kid you know who loves that sort of thing is going to love it, too.
June 10, 2020
I read this book in one day and loved it. Danette Haworth is an amazing author and I've read and appreciated many of her books. But I'll have to say this was my favorite. It was so exciting and it kept me on my toes. (Well, figuratively :) Anyway, my friend gave this book to me and at first it was lying on my bedside table, but as soon as I read the first chapter, I couldn't stop. And that, is no taradiddle. (Comment if you get that reference.)
;)
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December 7, 2008
I started and finished this book today. It's a quick read with enough interesting character interaction to keep you turning the pages. I'd call it basically a "tweener" book, not quite young adult but not quite a children's story either. The main characters are around the 11-13 age range. It reads like a good YA book, though.
Now, I'm 50 and a long way removed from those days, but I really liked the characters and really got involved with their "relatively" small troubles. There's a lot of honesty in this book, and a lot of feel so that you're right there living through the everyday drama and experiences of a young girl named Violet Raines and her friends. I really enjoyed it.
Now, I'm 50 and a long way removed from those days, but I really liked the characters and really got involved with their "relatively" small troubles. There's a lot of honesty in this book, and a lot of feel so that you're right there living through the everyday drama and experiences of a young girl named Violet Raines and her friends. I really enjoyed it.
November 12, 2012
Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com
When you've lived in the same sleepy town your whole life, you get real comfortable. As comfortable as a favorite pair of old shoes that you've broken in good. And that's just the way Violet Raines feels about Mitchell Hammock, Florida. What's the point in a new pair of shoes that'll just blister your feet?
It's the summer before junior high and Violet looks forward to spending lazy days with her best friend, Lottie, and feeding the fish under the old net bridge with Eddie. And on scorching hot days, the three like to collect cups for a free BrainFreeze at the gas station nearby. Since they live in Florida, they get to do that a lot.
Then Melissa moves to Mitchell Hammock from Detroit, with her big city ideas and her highfalutin ways, and the atmosphere between her and Violet becomes charged with friction as quickly as the sudden downpour in a summer thunderstorm. Florida is the lightening capital of the world, and by the end of the summer, Violet has been burned more than once and has also managed to hurt both of her friends.
Somehow, Violet has to figure out how to repair the damage she's done to both Lottie and Eddie, even if it means including Melissa. In the process, she just might find out that it's fun to try on that new pair of shoes, and that, in time, they can become just as comfortable as the favorite pair you've worn forever.
Danette Haworth has crafted a beautifully written, pleasurable read. In VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, Violet's spunky, blustery voice is a terrific contrast to her sweet, gentle soul. There is something about Violet that reminds me of Opal in Kate DiCamillo's BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE. I rarely read a book more than once, yet as I flipped back through the pages to write this review, I found myself caught up in reading it again.
This is one of the many reasons that I am awarding VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING a Gold Star. Don't miss this one!
When you've lived in the same sleepy town your whole life, you get real comfortable. As comfortable as a favorite pair of old shoes that you've broken in good. And that's just the way Violet Raines feels about Mitchell Hammock, Florida. What's the point in a new pair of shoes that'll just blister your feet?
It's the summer before junior high and Violet looks forward to spending lazy days with her best friend, Lottie, and feeding the fish under the old net bridge with Eddie. And on scorching hot days, the three like to collect cups for a free BrainFreeze at the gas station nearby. Since they live in Florida, they get to do that a lot.
Then Melissa moves to Mitchell Hammock from Detroit, with her big city ideas and her highfalutin ways, and the atmosphere between her and Violet becomes charged with friction as quickly as the sudden downpour in a summer thunderstorm. Florida is the lightening capital of the world, and by the end of the summer, Violet has been burned more than once and has also managed to hurt both of her friends.
Somehow, Violet has to figure out how to repair the damage she's done to both Lottie and Eddie, even if it means including Melissa. In the process, she just might find out that it's fun to try on that new pair of shoes, and that, in time, they can become just as comfortable as the favorite pair you've worn forever.
Danette Haworth has crafted a beautifully written, pleasurable read. In VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, Violet's spunky, blustery voice is a terrific contrast to her sweet, gentle soul. There is something about Violet that reminds me of Opal in Kate DiCamillo's BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE. I rarely read a book more than once, yet as I flipped back through the pages to write this review, I found myself caught up in reading it again.
This is one of the many reasons that I am awarding VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING a Gold Star. Don't miss this one!
November 24, 2020
In this coming of age story, feisty Violet Raines likes her life in small-town Florida just fine: she lives with her widowed mother, has two good friends, and loves exploring in the forest. Then Melissa, a "prissy" girl from Detroit, moves into town, and suddenly Violet's friend Lottie is spending lots of time with Melissa, giggling over soap operas, make-up and boys. They'll be starting junior high in the fall, they keep reminding Violet, who'd rather explore a cave in the forest with her friend Eddie or run through the sprinklers. After lightning strikes Lottie's house, she and her sisters stay with Melissa for several weeks, which intensifies Violet's fear that Melissa will steal her best friend. Not only is Melissa becoming closer to Lottie, but she also teases Violet about her friendship with Eddie, calling him her "boyfriend." How Violet works through this confusing summer is funny and engaging.
I think I would have given it more stars if I'd been able to immerse myself in it; as real as Violet's struggles were, at times I didn't feel like there was much to the story. Maybe I've been reading too many intense books, but this just felt like a light, cute book. I'm glad I read it, though.
I think I would have given it more stars if I'd been able to immerse myself in it; as real as Violet's struggles were, at times I didn't feel like there was much to the story. Maybe I've been reading too many intense books, but this just felt like a light, cute book. I'm glad I read it, though.
April 23, 2009
There is much to appreciate about Haworth's debut novel. At the beginning, I loved the MC's voice--Violet is a force to reckon with. I want to follow her everywhere. I also thoroughly enjoy Haworth's hand at descriptions. I experienced the dense, sticky atmosphere of Florida through the ever-energetic Violet. This story showed great promise.
The characters are likable and believable, especially Melissa. In fact, I was drawn in by the trouble brewing between her and Violet. However, the story's pacing became somewhat choppy. As Violet gets consumed by jealousy and confusion I, as a reader, struggle to keep the details straight. I turned back pages in order to verify setting (which seemed to change eras IMO) and I tried to keep interested in Violet who was sadly losing her spark.
While I consider myself an optimist and I love happy endings and heroic deeds, the ending in this story seems a bit forced and neatly tied for my taste. Leaving be a few wisps of hair would have worked just fine for me.
The characters are likable and believable, especially Melissa. In fact, I was drawn in by the trouble brewing between her and Violet. However, the story's pacing became somewhat choppy. As Violet gets consumed by jealousy and confusion I, as a reader, struggle to keep the details straight. I turned back pages in order to verify setting (which seemed to change eras IMO) and I tried to keep interested in Violet who was sadly losing her spark.
While I consider myself an optimist and I love happy endings and heroic deeds, the ending in this story seems a bit forced and neatly tied for my taste. Leaving be a few wisps of hair would have worked just fine for me.
December 31, 2008
During the summer before juniro high Violet learns about friendship and self acceptance.
Although it's not amazing Haworth's first novel for children is a lovely easy read. Violet's life is interrupted when a new girl moves into town and tries to steal ger best friend away from her. Violet struggles w/ feelings of anger as her best friend appears to change but she soon realizes that people can change but still remain close.
Young girls will relate to Violets sensitivity while parents can apprecaite the honest humor of the book as it sweetly handles issues like wearing make-up and kissing boys.
Although it's not amazing Haworth's first novel for children is a lovely easy read. Violet's life is interrupted when a new girl moves into town and tries to steal ger best friend away from her. Violet struggles w/ feelings of anger as her best friend appears to change but she soon realizes that people can change but still remain close.
Young girls will relate to Violets sensitivity while parents can apprecaite the honest humor of the book as it sweetly handles issues like wearing make-up and kissing boys.
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July 19, 2024I loved this book when I was younger and i love it now for the nostalgia 😌
November 8, 2008
Synopsis
For Violet, the summer before middle school is a tumultuous one. A new girl moves to town from Detroit and threatens to get between her and her best friend, lightning strikes her best friends house, and the relationship is changing with her friend Eddie. Coming of age is never an easy thing.
Review
Despite all the great reviews, this coming of age story is no Judy Blume. The country dialect seemed forced and the main character's voice was inconsistent. Sometimes she sounds too young for her age, at others she seems too old. It never felt like an authentic eleven year old voice. Despite all the promises of a spunky and independent protagonist, I didn't find her very sympathetic. She was too self centered whiny.
The book wasn't entirely unenjoyable. The descriptions of the Florida swamps were interesting. But the resolution of the book was much too simple and the author fell very short of her goal.
Critical Reviews
School Library Journal
SLJ uses words terms "spunk" and "accute sensitivity." The characters I thought were surface and unrealistic, SLJ thought were believable and well-developed. The "discussion points about relationships" were present in the book, but they weren't nearly as poignant as this book lets on.
Kirkus
Kirkus thinks this story is full of sass. Perhaps I missed something in my reading, but this review glows about the "competent management of...tween issues." This review focuses on the relationships and issues presented in the book.
Other Bibliographic Information
Published in 2008 by Walker and Company
176 pages
For Violet, the summer before middle school is a tumultuous one. A new girl moves to town from Detroit and threatens to get between her and her best friend, lightning strikes her best friends house, and the relationship is changing with her friend Eddie. Coming of age is never an easy thing.
Review
Despite all the great reviews, this coming of age story is no Judy Blume. The country dialect seemed forced and the main character's voice was inconsistent. Sometimes she sounds too young for her age, at others she seems too old. It never felt like an authentic eleven year old voice. Despite all the promises of a spunky and independent protagonist, I didn't find her very sympathetic. She was too self centered whiny.
The book wasn't entirely unenjoyable. The descriptions of the Florida swamps were interesting. But the resolution of the book was much too simple and the author fell very short of her goal.
Critical Reviews
School Library Journal
SLJ uses words terms "spunk" and "accute sensitivity." The characters I thought were surface and unrealistic, SLJ thought were believable and well-developed. The "discussion points about relationships" were present in the book, but they weren't nearly as poignant as this book lets on.
Kirkus
Kirkus thinks this story is full of sass. Perhaps I missed something in my reading, but this review glows about the "competent management of...tween issues." This review focuses on the relationships and issues presented in the book.
Other Bibliographic Information
Published in 2008 by Walker and Company
176 pages
June 15, 2012
While this is more of a juvenile fiction book, this is a book I've had for a few years and read multiple times throughout the time I've had it. Don't be turned away from the cliche sound of the back cover; this book is about hanging onto a friendship you so desperately want to keep, but feeling like your friend is being pulled away from you like someone else.
If you ever need a quick, one-day read about beginning to become a teenager and the way your friends change along the way, definitely give this book a try.
December 24, 2008
The reasons I didn't love this book sound kind of silly, but here they are: Violet had a tendency to be snotty (and so did Melissa), and she used bad grammar when no one else in the book really did. It made her sound less intelligent than the other characters, and that bothered me. I'm sure she was realistic, because girls can be snotty where best friends are concerned, and kids use bad grammar. Still, both bothered me.
December 22, 2010
This book is one of my favorites. I really liked it because it showed a lot of detail and emotion in the story. My least favorite part was when Melissa stole Violet's best friend Lotti because they were best friends since they were little and now Lotti thought that Violet was just jealous. My favorite part of the story was at the end of the story when Violet's friends and her were hanging out again and talking to each other instead of hating each other.
May 17, 2011
i thought it was a great book about friendship.the main character violet and her best friend are having a good summer when Melissa moves from Detroit and is hanging around allot with Lottie and violet gets a little mad cause she starts wearing makeup and different clothes, so then violet starts hanging out with Eddie Mellisa starts teasing her but in the end violet becomes nice and she knows she did the right thing
September 15, 2008
Violet Raines likes things the way they are in her small town of Mitchell Hammock, FL. But when Melissa arrives from Detroit and befriends her best friend Lottie, Violet struggles with the realization that some things must change. A nice coming-of-age story about the summer before junior high. I'd hand this to fans of Shug, Heartbeat, and Just as Long as We're Together.
July 29, 2010
A sweet story about growing up, friends & enemies (who aren't always too different at age 11), and about making a difference. I liked Violet - she was content to be who she was and liked herself enough not to have any need to be anyone else. She embraced everything - even not liking Melissa - and made even the idea of gutting fish sound like an adventure.
July 11, 2011
It brought Kaye Gibbon's character Ellen Foster to mind because of the wittiness and intelligence. Violet Raines struggles with a threatened BFF relationship, the mystery of middle school, and exploring who she is as she prepares to enter middle school. As I think about my students entering middle school, I would imagine that they would relate well to this book, especially my girls.
July 6, 2012
Violet is from a small town in the South and she's not afraid to say what she thinks. Her best friend is growing up and making a new friend with a girly-girl. Any late-bloomer and/or tomboy can really relate to Violet. The story was funny, heart-warming and overall charming.
I absolutely fell in love with Danette Haworth's writing and look forward to reading so much more from her!
I absolutely fell in love with Danette Haworth's writing and look forward to reading so much more from her!
December 10, 2008
I loved this book! It was funny, adventurous, and vivid. I could really picture the events and the scenery as though I were watching a movie. It is an excellent novel. Everyone I've recommended it to has enjoyed it.
March 31, 2010
Violet Rains Almost got struck by lightning is a very interesting book. It is the day after the fish-n-fry, and Violet is telling Eddie her story of why Melissa threw up. this is my first day trying the book out and I know i am going to love it.
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June 28, 2011I started and finished this book today. It's a quick read with enough interesting character interaction to keep you turning the pages. I'd call it basically a "tweener" book, not quite young adult but not quite a
good girl book good literature circle book
good girl book good literature circle book
December 29, 2015
This book was really easy to relate to because I have a lot of problems with change as well. The main character was perfect and even though the book was short I felt that the full potential and story of the book was made.
October 16, 2008
I am such a sucker for books with southern characters. Loved it. But I didn't give it a FIVE star until I got to the very end.
July 25, 2008
The summer before they start jr. high foreshadows changes ahead for Violet and her friends.
November 22, 2008
A really enjoyable book about friendship and those times in our life when we feel vulnerable and question whether or not our BFF relationship can withstand the inevitable changes that come our way.
March 2, 2010
This was a GREAT book! I enjoyed it VERY much!
May 10, 2010
I dare you to read this book and not fall in love with spunky Violet. Can't wait for Haworth's next book!
May 11, 2011
this is okay so far. it talks about freidshing and disliking. kind of sounds like me!! HAHAHA!!
June 6, 2011
I absolutely adored this book. A refreshing coming of age story that will make you laugh, cry and remember what it was like to be young.
June 13, 2011
I loved this coming-of-age story. Great voice, great characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews