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Children's Fiction Values & Virtues

Struck

by (author) Deb Loughead

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Oct 2009
Category
Values & Virtues, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance, Adolescence
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781554692125
    Publish Date
    Oct 2009
    List Price
    $16.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781554692118
    Publish Date
    Oct 2009
    List Price
    $9.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781554695423
    Publish Date
    Oct 2009
    List Price
    $13.99

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Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 9 to 12
  • Grade: 4 to 7
  • Reading age: 9 to 12

Description

Claire's life is a mess.

She's failing math, her depressed mother won't get off the couch, Eric, the boy of her dreams, is dating her nemesis Lucy. While Claire is wishing her life were better, lightning strikes. Soon afterward, everything changes. With Lucy in the hospital and out of the way, Claire attracts Eric's attention and gets the starring role in the school play. But good fortune has a cost: her newly energized mother reconciles with her deadbeat dad, the dream boy turns out to be a dud and Claire feels terrible guilt about gaining everything Lucy has lost. But how can Claire turn it around when lightning only strikes once?

Also available in French.

About the author

Deb Loughead is the author of more than twenty-five books for children and young adults. She completed an English degree at the University of Toronto before working as a copy editor. She turned to creative writing after deciding to stay home to raise her three sons. Deb's books have been translated into seven languages, and her award-winning poetry and adult fiction have appeared in a variety of Canadian publications. In addition to having extensive experience with educational writing, Deb has conducted workshops and held readings at schools, festivals and conferences across the country. She has written and directed children’s plays and taught creative writing classes for adults in Toronto. Deb likes to spend her non-writing time reading, knitting or hanging around horses as a therapeutic riding volunteer. Deb lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.debloughead.ca.

Deb Loughead's profile page

Awards

  • Commended, CCBC Best Books
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Excerpt: Struck (by (author) Deb Loughead)

First there was a brilliant flash of what could only have been lightning. I shrieked as a sharp pins-and-needles jolt shot up my arm. I was so shocked that I dropped the umbrella. My hands were shaking, my whole body vibrating. And my heart was thumping hard. It was almost like a brush with death!

Editorial Reviews

"This light-hearted story will interest girls who have been through the emotional drama that is the life of a teen."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"Loughead does a wonderful job of adding a little flavor of magic into realistic fiction…The lesson in following your conscience is well presented. Recommended."

Library Media Connection

"The story line is believable, with an ending that gives hope to readers, especially those whose parents are in a similar situation to Claire's. The novel moves quickly with lots of dialogue between Claire and her parents…This helps reluctant readers keep with the flow of the story and not get bogged down with unnecessary details. Recommended."

CM Magazine

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