July Read - My Own Lightning

[Kristen]

My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk is a sequel to Wolf Hollow, which won a Newbery Honor.

Do you think My Own Lightning could earn Wolk another Newbery Medal?

[Lisa]

Yes, I think “My Own Lightning” could be a contender. The writing is just gorgeous. My favorite book this year so far.

[Shella]

I pulled some of the prose to use for mini lesson examples. The description of the storm is amazing and drew me into the story. I think this author’s craft either really appeals to readers or turns them off. It is interesting to see the love/hate that this author seems to inspire. I totally get that as there are some really popular authors discussed in this group that I cannot stand and cringe when they win our polls. That’s what make this diverse group so much fun and keeps me reading books I would never pick up on my own. I’ve read almost all of Wolk’s books and have enjoyed each one and have seen some students enjoy them too. They tend to be voracious readers. Even though a story may have narrow appeal, it still could be considered for Newbery. It is not my favorite title this year, nor do I think this sequel will win. To me, reading Wolf Hollow is necessary to really appreciate the best parts of this book so it does not stand on its own.

Just an observation-How popular a book is or will be is not a requirement for Newbery consideration. Otherwise, we would have Riordon and Kinney type authors winning all the time. Not all Newbery winners are like Holes and Only and Only Ivan with broad appeal, but still may be distinguished for a smaller group of readers.

[Phil]

Shella wrote: "Just an observation-How popular a book is or will be is not a requirement for Newbery consideration. Otherwise, we would have Riordon and Kinney type authors winning all the time. Not all Newbery winners are like Holes and Only and Only Ivan with broad appeal, but still may be distinguished for a smaller group of readers.."

It is true that the Newbery rules specifically prohibit popularity as a criterion. However, I think appealing to children should be considered as a factor that makes a book distinguished. In my mind, a children's book cannot be distinguished if it does not appeal to children.

[Shella]

Appealing can be to a narrow group as long as it is that age group. I guess that was what I was trying to say.

[Kate]

MY OWN LIGHTNING by Lauren Wolk, begins with Annabelle (who was previously in Wolf Hollow by Wolk) struck by lightning. She experiences increased sensory awareness, including an ability to understand the feelings of dogs. She befriends Nora, a new neighbor dedicated to caring for injured animals. She also renews her acquaintance with Andy, who appeared as a bully in Wolf Hollow.
The descriptive writing, particularly of the countryside, is really beautiful The story is slow moving and much of the text is either conversation or reflection on past events.
I have read Wolf Hollow but don’t really recall the storyline. I was still able to understand this book so I think it can stand on its own.

[LS]

I’m convinced I would love to read even a grocery list written by Lauren Wolk. Her writing is so beautiful which, when juxtaposed to the dark scenes that happen in the book, is so striking and keeps me enthralled. I end up reading certain passages over and over again. She is a true wordsmith. Do not let the flowery, cheery colored cover sway you into believing this story is all puppies and roses. It’s a part of the dichotomy that makes reading Wolk’s work so jarring and yet sucks me in. I do think a reader should read Wolf’s Hollow before reading this one in order to understand the context and the backgrounds of the characters. It helps with understanding the plot in this book and understanding some of the nuances. Because of that, I’m not sure it will make an appearance on a Newbery list. But I definitely think it is a Notable book. There was one thing mentioned early in the book which I thought would be explained by the end, and it wasn’t so I was disappointed in that. However, it took nothing away from me thoroughly enjoying this one

[Diane]

Just finished this book and loved everything about it. I especially liked the characters and how they changed and grew. I never read Wolf Hollow and I feel this book stands on its own.

[Candice]

I have to disagree with the group consensus. I do not think this books stands alone, nor do I think it is nearly as good as Wolf Hollow.
Wolk refers several times to events from the previous book and never catches the reader up. A huge part of the characterization of Andy is lost without having read the first book. You would have NO idea how major his transformation is without having read Wolf Hollow.
I agree that Wolk's writing is lovely, as always, but this book is not Newbery worthy.

[Ivy]

I enjoyed Wolf Hollow, but it wasn't my favorite of Wolk's novels. I did enjoy this one, however. It had been awhile since reading Wolf Hollow, and while I wish I'd been caught up a little in this book, I didn't feel it was necessary to enjoy this one. While her writing is definitely going to appeal to a more mature reader, I think the mystery and the animal theme will appeal to a wider range.

[Martha]

After discussing Wolf Hollow with many young readers who loved the book, I previously chose not to read it because of some cruelity mentioned. My Own Lightening the sequel to Wolf Hollow proved to be a powerful, beautifully written story. The evocative writing describing Annabelle's tendency to help others, especially those in need in this sparsely populated hollow, adds tension to the mysteries lying within this enigmatic community. Readers will find much to love following courageous Annabelle as she faces risky challenges head on. Although this sequel works well without reading Wolf Hollow, readers really need to read Wolf Hollow as well. For this reason, My Own Lightning isn't a good choice for the Newbery Award.

[Ellen Peterson]

When I saw this book was likely to win the pole and was a sequel I decided to read Wolf Hollow. I'm glad I did it gave me a greater understanding for the things in My Own Lightning. I think both books are great. This book definitely feels like it could Newbery though I think it's less likely as sequels don't get picked often.

[Diane]

Ellen Peterson wrote: "When I saw this book was likely to win the pole and was a sequel I decided to read Wolf Hollow. I'm glad I did it gave me a greater understanding for the things in My Own Lightning. I think both bo..."
I purposely did not read Wolf Hollow so that I could judge the book on its own, I thought it stood up quite well. The characters were engaging and I did not feel lost at all reading the sequal.

[Shella]

Is this a sequel or companion novel? I took it as a companion novel- it can stand alone, however, without reading Wolf Hollow the reader misses nuances of the book especially with Andy’s character.

[Shella]

Is this a sequel or companion novel? I took it as a companion novel- it can stand alone, however, without reading Wolf Hollow the reader misses nuances of the book especially with Andy’s character.