LIGHTNing chase me home - amber lee dodd

Amelia, the protagonist in Lightning Chase Me Home, is an intricately crafted character who shatters stigma about children with learning difficulties and empowers readers through embracing her flaws and reinforcing themes of bravery and self-belief. We find out that on her 11th birthday, Amelia must make a wish on the Serpent's tooth however suddenly odd things begin to happen and danger creeps into her life. Set on a isolated Scottish island of Dark Muir, Amelia is drawn into world of fantasy - overflowing with mythology and spellbinding tales, a retreat from her otherwise mundane life. Such magical aspects of the novel are tastefully intertwined with a realistic edge - a modern day girl trying to cope with secondary school and dyslexia. Amelia’s struggle with confidence and such relatable aspects helped the flow of the story’s narrative.

​Overall, the lyrical storytelling complimented the flowing nature of the book and the juxtaposition between Amelia’s school and home life with her new abilities created a compelling read. What begins as a seemingly sad story escalates into an enthralling tale of a girl’s life overturned by magic and a new quest she must fulfill, and challenges she must overcome. When Amelia’s dyslexia degrades the chance of her doing well at school, we yearn to see her rise from the predicament. This is exactly what she does. This aspect of the novel provides a much needed example to many children today; the message being to not let others or other's views of you hinder your personal growth or dictate your happiness. This bewildering novel, combining a relatable contemporary context and a timeless tale of magic, is a must read. Appropriate for young and small, this is a book I highly recommend and I believe everyone can enjoy.
​

---