The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

By: Stacy McAnulty

Narrated by: Ana Isabel

A lightning strike gave her a super power...but even a super genius can't solve the problem of middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Reign, and Counting by Sevens.

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn't remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she's technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test--middle school!

Lucy's grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that's not a math textbook!). Lucy's not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy's life has already been solved. Unless there's been a miscalculation?

A celebration of friendship, Stacy McAnulty's smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different.

AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

"An engaging story, full of heart and hope. Readers of all ages will root for Lucy, aka Lightning Girl. No miscalculations here!" --Kate Beasley, author of Gertie's Leap to Greatness

Critic reviews

"Unique and utterly satisfying."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Prepare to fall in love."—School Library Journal, starred review

"Lucy’s journey is beautifully authentic in this debut brimming with warmth, wisdom, and math."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Well-rounded and believable characters and a convincing and appealing story…. Adds a useful STEM component as well.” —Booklist

“McAnulty’s well-drawn cast of characters grapple with the difficulties of middle school, friendships, and life. An engaging story, full of heart and hope. Readers of all ages will root for Lucy, aka Lightning Girl. No miscalculations here!” —Kate Beasley, author of Gertie’s Leap to Greatness

"Fresh story, great characters, a winner!" —Barbara O'Connor, author of Wish

"The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl is calculated to steal your heart!" - Alan Gratz author of Ban This Book and Refugee

Miscalculation of Lightning girl

Me and my sister have been listening to this audio book for a longtime. We even listened to the story last night

a lot of fun

If you're looking for a feel good story, this will hit the spot.

it's a YA book but as an adult, I really enjoyed it as well. It's a good pallet cleanser when I need a break from more mature theme books or just need light escape from current events.

The story is a bit predictable but the narrator is pretty awesome at sounding like a teenager.

Great Insight Into OCD

I loved this story! It provided great insight into what it's like to be OCD and a savant.

The balance of smart and still relatable.

My daughter enjoyed every minute and loved the math along with the story. She found all the characters interesting and kept comparing them to the types of people she knows showing the author really nailed the school experience.

Great but I have some things....

I think this book is great for 6th graders or even. 5th if they are listening to the book on tape. The book has drama and is exiting but sometimes I want to hear from a different perspective. The main character tells a lot about her own self. But I never hear what Windy looks like or Liivi. I wanted to hear more of a disruption of them both. But otherwise I love this book and I definitely recommend this book!