Friday Memes: The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty. 290 p. Random House Children's Books, May 1, 2018. 9781524767587.

Publisher synopsis: Middle school is the one problem Lucy Callahan can't solve in this middle-grade novel perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Reign, and Counting by 7s.

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.

First line: I don't remember the moment that changed my life 4 years ago.

Page 56: "Well, can she take it over?" She pauses for an answer that i can't hear. "I see." Pause. "Certainly." Pause. "Thanks for calling. Good-bye." She puts the phone down on the counter.
     "Wrong number?" I joke.
     "That was your math teacher. He said you got a 0 on today's test."
     What!" It wasn't even a test. It was an assessment.