Nominated for the ARK Children’s Book Prize

“I’ve always been angry. For as long as I can remember. Rage is simply a crown that is put upon me. I have no choice, the crown is suddenly lowered over my head, it tightens around my forehead and sends furious lightning and thunder through my brain and out to my legs and arms and hands. My fists clench, my arms rise, and then I strike. As hard as I can.
I don’t get to choose. It just happens. Once I don my crown of rage, I lose all control.
It hurts. But it’s good too. It helps to hit something. It gets rid of all the feelings inside.
I, Isabella Madeleine Karlson, have always been and always will be someone who gets angry. A thunder queen.
That’s how I saw myself anyway.”

For as long as she can remember, Isabella has been on the move with her mother—always chasing the next adventure, never staying in one place for long. Life is full of excitement, but something deep within her never feels quite right.
Then, in a village in the forest, their journey comes to a halt. For the first time, Isabella finds friendship. A sense of belonging. Maybe even a home.
The villagers are preparing for the Festival of the Dead. And by the strange, ancient oak tree in the forest, someone is waiting for Isabella. Perhaps with the answers she’s been searching for.

The Thunder Queen is a story about rage, secrets, and the courage to make a choice that could change everything.