
Reach for this book if your child feels like an outsider because of their unique way of processing the world or if they struggle with anxiety related to social change. This heartwarming story follows Lucy, a twelve year old math prodigy who has been home schooled since being struck by lightning. While the strike gave her genius math abilities, it also left her with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and social anxiety. When her grandmother insists she attend one year of middle school, Lucy must navigate the terrifying world of lockers, lunchrooms, and middle school friendships while hiding her true identity. It is an excellent choice for neurodivergent children or any middle grade reader learning to balance their private self with their public persona. The story beautifully normalizes behavioral rituals and mental health struggles while celebrating the courage it takes to be authentically yourself.
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Sign in to write a reviewLucy deals with bullying and the fear of her private rituals being discovered by peers.
The book deals with neurodivergence and OCD through a realistic, secular lens. Lucy's rituals are portrayed as necessary for her comfort rather than 'quirks.' The resolution is hopeful and grounded: she doesn't 'cure' her OCD, but she finds a community that accepts her with it.
A 10 to 12 year old who feels 'different' or 'weird' and is anxious about fitting in. It is especially resonant for kids who have specific rituals or anxieties they try to hide from peers.
Read cold. The book is very accessible. Parents might want to discuss the scene where Lucy's secret is revealed to understand how their child might feel in a high vulnerability moment. A parent might see their child performing repetitive behaviors (like Lucy's tapping) or expressing extreme school refusal due to social anxiety and fear of judgment.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'superpower' aspect of the lightning strike and the dog rescue. Older readers (11-12) will deeply feel the social stakes and the pressure of pretending to be someone you are not.
Unlike many 'genius' stories, this balances the intellectual gift with the very real, often difficult manifestations of OCD, making it a nuanced portrait of neurodivergence.
Twelve year old Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning, an event that gave her savant level math skills but also led to OCD rituals: standing up and sitting down three times, tapping, and a preoccupation with prime numbers. After years of homeschooling, her grandmother gives her a challenge: attend one year of middle school, join one activity, make one friend, and read one book that isn't a math text. Lucy tries to fly under the radar, but through a school project involving a local dog shelter, she discovers the value of real world connections.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.