Written by Laura Resau
Teo, an eleven-year-old Mixteco Indian, lives on the dusty and remote Hill of Dust in the mountains of Mexico. Through the years he has suffered terrible family tragedies which have left him feeling alone and empty. His beloved grandfather, the village Healer, is the one constant anchor in his young life. Then, one day, a traveling group of Romani (Gypsies) visit them unexpectedly on the mountain and Teo’s life is changed forever. He meets the mysterious Esma, who calls herself the Gypsy Queen of Lightning and who has a singing voice that captivates everyone who hears it.
Together they embark on a journey through life that is filled with magic, danger and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But, with a deep and everlasting love and friendship these two young people create something truly remarkable with their lives. This is a wonderful story that slowly draws you in to another world of two fascinating cultures and peoples. I loved this book and highly recommend it for ages 10 and up.
Review by Lynda H. Wilson, David Gourley Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: 4th-8th Grade
Author Website: http://www.lauraresau.com/
The Lightning Queen
Written by Laura Resau
Scholastic Press
323 pages
Release Date: October 27, 2015
GIVE-AWAY! We have a copy of this title to give away to a Granite library or classroom! Leave a comment with your name here by 2/7/16 for a chance to win. Drawing will be held Monday 2/8.
There are other book giveaways going right now as well, don’t miss them!
I’ll have to read this. It sounds interesting and different. I’m ready for a change and look forward to reading it.
This looks like a great read that I will be adding to my list!
I started reading this one a while ago but had to put it aside for other books. I need to get back to it and finish it.
This sounds like a great book for our library and something I’m going to have to check out!
I was intrigued by this review and will have to put it on my books to read list!
I have seen this book too, but didn’t know much about it. Thank you for the great review, now it is on my reading list.
Looks like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing.
If you judge a book by its cover, this looks like an exciting book. The different setting also makes it sound intriguing.
Free Book? Of course! I think my girls would love this book!
This sounds like a great book. I think I have some kids who would like it. I think I would like it.
I would love a copy!
Great review, it makes me want to read this book!
Always looking for books to expose students to different cultures! I would love a free book!
Great review. I would love to add this book to our collection!
I’m excited to see that there is a new adventure book set in Mexico. I think the students will enjoy it. Thanks for your review.
Thanks so much for the review! It is so helpful when recommending books to students.
It sounds absolutely wonderful. I have some students that would like to read that book as well as myself.
Would love to add another great book for our students to read.
Hello! Thanks for doing this!!
Congratulations! You are the winner of this drawing! A copy of The Lightning Queen will be coming to your library through district mail. Thanks for looking and commenting!
I would love to read this.
OOH! This looks like a great book, can’t wait to read it!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for having these fun giveaways!
Review well done, now I am ready to win or purchase.
Hunter Jr Library would love a copy
I would love to read this book. Looks like a good one.
Good review, I am curious how much interest an 8th grader (or even a 7th) may have with a book with the young main character. Some books with young characters read well for them and some seem too juvenile. Any one else read it have an opinion on this.
This is in reply to Brad’s comment. The story is told in flashbacks, with Teo actually being a grandfather at the beginning and end of the book telling his life story to his teenage grandson, Mateo. And the story-line itself actually has Teo and Esma progressing through about three years and entering into their teenage years so I think that it will definitely interest middle-schoolers. Hope this helps!
Great review…sounds intriguing!
This book sounds fascinating! Good review!
Sounds like a great read. I would loved to put a copy in our library.
Great review. I will definitely have to read this one!
This contest is now closed. Thanks everyone for participating. We will be doing more of these in the near future, so keep your eyes open.