The Lightning Queen

About this book

A stunningly rendered mystical novel that blends cultures, magic, and possibilities — now in paperback!

Nothing exciting happens on the Hill of Dust, in the remote mountains of Mexico in the 1950s. There’s no electricity, no plumbing, no cars, just day after day of pasturing goats. Without his sister and mother, eleven-year-old Teo’s life feels even more barren. And then one day, the mysterious young Esma, who calls herself the Gypsy Queen of Lightning, rolls into town like a fresh burst of colour. Against all odds, her caravan’s Mistress of Destiny predicts that Teo and Esma will be longtime friends. Suddenly, life brims with possibility. With the help of a rescued duck, a three-legged skunk, a blind goat, and other allies, Teo and Esma must overcome obstacles — even death — to fulfill their impossible destiny.

Reviews

"This vibrant, intergenerational tale is nothing short of magical"–Kirkus, starred review

"Like surviving a lightning strike, this book is rare and incredible."–School Library Journal, starred review

". . . a magical story. . . [readers] may find themselves wiping away tears. . ."–Publishers Weekly