The Lightning Queen

The Lightning QueenWritten 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

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34 thoughts on “The Lightning Queen”

  1. 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!

    1. I’ll have to read this. It sounds interesting and different. I’m ready for a change and look forward to reading it.

  2. 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.

  3. If you judge a book by its cover, this looks like an exciting book. The different setting also makes it sound intriguing.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

    1. 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!

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