When Lightnin' Struck
It’s 1928 in Odessa, Texas, and eleven-year-old James is struggling to find his purpose in life and to uncover a family secret. With his father struck dead by lightning and his mother in jail, he is taken in by his grandparents. Treated as a pariah at school, James is taunted as being cursed by his family’s bad luck. But he finds a friend in Paul, a Russian immigrant, who is also treated as an outcast, and together, they battle the school bully. But James’s life is turned upside-down yet again when he uncovers a family secret involving his beloved grandmother. His discovery leads him to find the sense of purpose he’s been seeking.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
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978-1-7284-2052-3
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$13.49 | |
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978-1-7284-2053-0
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$7.99 | |
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978-1-7284-5212-8
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$22.99 |
Author: Betsy R. Rosenthal
Before Betsy R. Rosenthal was a writer, she was a civil rights lawyer. She lives with her husband and three children in Pacific Palisades, California. To learn more about Betsy, visit her at www.BetsyRosenthal.com.
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When Lightnin' Struck
It’s 1928 in Odessa, Texas, and eleven-year-old James is struggling to find his purpose in life and to uncover a family secret. With his father struck dead by lightning and his mother in jail, he is taken in by his grandparents. Treated as a pariah at school, James is taunted as being… View available downloads →
Reviews
Midwest Book Review
“Original, deftly crafted, entertaining, thought-provoking with its underlying message about bullying” — Midwest Book Review
Joyce Moyer Hostetter
“When Lightnin’ Struck weaves tragedy, bullying, and family secrets into a riveting adventure. A small story with Texas-sized heart!”—Joyce Moyer Hostetter, author of Blue
Susan Goldman Rubin
“Adventures unfold and suspense builds…in this warm, engaging story that hinges on a little-known period of Jewish history.”—Susan Goldman Rubin, author of Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson and The Quilts of Gee’s Bend
Susan Patron
“A keenly observed and timely story of a Texas boy’s discovery of deeply buried family secrets—and of his own humanity.”—Susan Patron, winner of the Newbery Award for The Higher Power of Lucky