72 pages • 2 hours read
The Girl Who Owned a City
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Book Brief
189
Novel • Fiction
Chicago Suburbs • 1970s
1975
Middle grade
10-14 years
660L
Super Short Summary
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson is a post-apocalyptic novel set in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where a virus has wiped out everyone over the age of 12. The protagonist, 10-year-old Lisa, and her brother Todd, struggle to survive by looting abandoned homes. Lisa eventually organizes neighborhood children into a militia to defend against gangs and fortifies an abandoned high school into a safe haven, fostering a self-sufficient community. It involves themes of child independence, survival, and leadership.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Challenging
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
6,101 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
O.T. Nelson’s The Girl Who Owned a City depicts a post-apocalyptic world where children must fend for themselves. Reviews praise its engaging plot and strong, resourceful protagonist but critique its emotional depth and writing style. While some appreciate its thought-provoking themes, others find its execution lacking. Overall, it provides an intriguing, if uneven, read.
Who Should Read The Girl Who Owned a City?
Readers who enjoy dystopian novels with young protagonists will find The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson compelling. Fans of The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies will appreciate this tale of resilience and leadership in a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on a girl’s struggle to survive and build a community.
6,101 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Todd Nelson
Todd Nelson
Lisa’s younger brother, who relies on Lisa for guidance and protection but proves himself a helpful and brave ally.
Tom Logan
Tom Logan
The leader of a rival gang, whose methods are marked by violence and who poses a significant threat to Lisa and her group.
Craig Berman
Craig Berman
An older neighborhood boy who is skilled at gardening and serves as a leader and confidant alongside Lisa.
Jill Jansen
Jill Jansen
One of Lisa’s friends, who focuses on taking care of young orphan children without older siblings, highlighting a more community-oriented approach.
189
Novel • Fiction
Chicago Suburbs • 1970s
1975
Middle grade
10-14 years
660L
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