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Description
In this sequel to Wolf Hollow, Annabelle McBride is struck by lightning during a summer storm and gains heightened senses that let her perceive the world in a new way. As she learns to understand animals and the hidden pain of those around her, she must confront the lingering tensions left by the town's recent tragedy involving Betty Glengarry. With her altered perception, Annabelle seeks forgiveness while navigating the complexities of small-town life.
Quick Summary
If you loved "Wolf Hollow," Lauren Wolk's follow-up brings back some of that same quiet intensity but with a wild twist Annabelle gets struck by lightning and develops these incredible heightened senses that let her experience the world (especially animals) in a whole new way. It's not a superhero story though; the book is really about how she processes some really heavy stuff, including bullying and animal cruelty, and learns about forgiveness in a way that feels earned rather than preachy. Kids who care about animals will gravitate toward her bond with the creatures she helps, and the sensory details Wolk writes are so vivid you can almost feel the storm that started everything. Parents should know there's some dark material here the book doesn't shy away from cruelty and disturbing imagery so it's probably best for readers who can handle melancholy alongside hope. That said, it's the kind of story that stays with you, the kind where you're quietly rooting for Annabelle the whole way through. Fans of "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" or "A Monster Calls" will probably find similar emotional territory here.