TFK Kid Reporter Summer Book Reviews

TFK Kid Reporters Gitanjali Rao and Simar Khanuja review two of summer's most buzz-worthy books.

Book Title: The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Reviewed by: TFK Kid Reporter Gitanjali Rao

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Number of pages: 304

What’s the basic story line?

Lucy Callahan was a typical student until she was struck by lightning. She can’t remember that moment, but it changed her life. Ever since, she’s had unbelievable math skills and been homeschooled. Even though Lucy should be going to college because of her math genius, her grandmother insists that she go to middle school for one year. Worried that she will be made fun of because of her superior mathematical powers, Lucy reluctantly enters the seventh grade. Will she survive middle school?

Are the characters believable?

The characters in this book are very believable. The author does a nice job of providing them with various layers and background stories. This helps the audience relate to the characters and enjoy them as they develop throughout the story.

Who would like this book?

I think any middle schooler who enjoys stories about characters with powers or special abilities would really like this book.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how would you rate this book?

I would rate The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl a solid 8. I really enjoyed the imagery and specific details described in this book. I could really visualize what was going on, and it always left me on the edge of my seat!

Book Title: Flor and Miranda Steal The Show

Author: Jennifer Torres

Reviewed by: TFK Kid Reporter Simar Khanuja

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Number of pages: 192

What’s the basic story line?

Eleven-year-olds Flor Maldonado and Miranda Reyes work for a traveling carnival. Flor helps her father run the petting zoo, and Miranda is a singer in her family’s band, Miranda y Los Reyes. The friends’ ambitions clash when Flor overhears the carnival owner say he might cut her father’s petting zoo to pay Miranda’s band a higher salary. Flor devises a plan to stop Miranda from singing in her first main-stage performance, just when Miranda is struggling with the tough decision to defy her father and choose the song she will sing. Will Flor’s attempt to thwart Miranda’s performance bring an end to their friendship?

Are the characters believable?

Flor and Miranda are just like real people. Both want to be loyal to their families, but both also want to express themselves in their own way. They bond through these shared motivations.

Who would like this book?

People who have experienced the challenges of friendship and family will enjoy this book, especially if they love adventure and getting caught up in the thrills of the carnival.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how would you rate this book?

I would give Flor and Miranda Steal The Show a 9. I especially like how the story is told from both Flor’s and Miranda’s points of view. Jennifer Torres does a fantastic job tying the girls’ friendship to the excitement of a carnival.