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Under the Light of Fireflies
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A big-hearted coming-of-age debut about a tiger, a Russian, a model airplane, unexplainable disaster, and a bewildered twelve-year-old boy just trying to find his place in the world.
It's 1981 in Texarkana, Texas, and Noah Ellis is trying hard to remember. Still reeling from the loss of his father in a suspicious tragedy, Noah is in a tragedy of his own—one that results in another inexplicable death, this time leaving Noah to suffer from severe amnesia.
After that day, everything changes. Noah becomes an unwitting star in a highly publicized trial. Girls start to notice him, and kids who once bullied him now allow him to run with their pack—at a cost. Standing as always in his big brother's shadow, Noah also has a little sister he must look out for. But Noah's still stuck on that day and the accident he can't remember. As town secrets come to light and summer draws to a close, Noah must find a way to salvage all that he's lost, and to learn what is truly precious.
A big-hearted coming-of-age debut about a tiger, a Russian, a model airplane, unexplainable disaster, and a bewildered twelve-year-old boy just trying to find his place in the world.
It's 1981 in Texarkana, Texas, and Noah Ellis is trying hard to remember. Still reeling from the loss of his father in a suspicious tragedy, Noah is in a tragedy of his own—one that results in another inexplicable death, this time leaving Noah to suffer from severe amnesia.
After that day, everything changes. Noah becomes an unwitting star in a highly publicized trial. Girls start to notice him, and kids who once bullied him now allow him to run with their pack—at a cost. Standing as always in his big brother's shadow, Noah also has a little sister he must look out for. But Noah's still stuck on that day and the accident he can't remember. As town secrets come to light and summer draws to a close, Noah must find a way to salvage all that he's lost, and to learn what is truly precious.
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Published December 30, 2025
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July 12, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“To thine oaths be true.”
During the summer of 1981 in Texarkana, Texas on the night of his final day as a sixth-grader - this last day a small but epic step in our quest to become teenagers'- that twelve-year-old Noah Ellis' life would never be the same. Still grieving his father's sudden death in an unexplained tragic drowning, he ends up in a dreadful accident of his own - where an escaped tiger from the zoo ends up attacking him and another boy, who does not survive the attack, and Noah wakes up in the hospital with severe amnesia.
Under the Light of Fireflies is a poignant coming-of-age Young Adult debut of the days that follow in which Noah struggles with the aftermath of a tragic event that captures the attention of the town in a way that places him in a tough spot - torn between doing following the righteous path or the affairs of the heart. Struggling between the want of being accepted by those undeserving, or finding the path of forgiveness. It is a story that reflects on how we cannot really hold any one person accountable for actions not within our grasp, but still learn the difference between that which is acceptable and that which cannot.
“I wished I could remember more. How extraordinarily terrible it must be, I thought, that my mind wouldn’t let the recollection out of its cage.”
At first, I thought the story would focus entirely on Noah trying to get his memory back; but, it became so much more than just that, for which, I was grateful. A wave of nostalgia swept over me as Noah immersed me into his story, as I followed him along the path of danger and mystery - one that I could not stop reading because of how smooth the story flowed. There is an aching sadness that is prevalent throughout of a young boy who cannot understand how his strong and capable and dependable father could have died, whilst also battling with himself to cling to the faintest clue or hint of what really stood between him and a tiger - and how he managed to survive and one boy died. 😢 'Don’t risk your life just to prove something, Noah. It only proves you’re stupid.' Often times, I felt as if I was experiencing a strange case of deja vu; one which made me look back fondly on those coming-of-age movies I grew up watching - one where the protagonist would be at the thresholds of entering adulthood, in the events of a life-altering experience that would propel him to face forward in life and look back on the moments that would forever change him. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
It carries such an insurmountable grief and sadness - one that as he figures out what other secrets lie in wait for what he cannot recall, he also grows as a person - as a brother. One where he reflects on his actions and the people he associates with. I love the 80s vibes and the summer air - his love-hate relationship with his older brother, this heady need to fit in and find your groove, even if it is with older boys who are bullies and not entirely the talk of the town for the right reasons. 'Weakness didn’t have to be real, it only had to be perceived. That’s when they turned on you.' But, it is an important stepping stone for Noah - one which he has to take that journey on his own in order for him to understand the missing pieces of his life - to better reflect on the things he could not grasp.
“It’s not about whether you go into the dark house. It’s about whether or not you make it out.
God made you decent, Noah Ellis. Just be yourself, and never give up hope.”
The characters had their own strong presence that made their attitudes and their interactions cling to my skin, as if the troubles Noah was having to face were my own. The dialogue and their personalities were well-developed and made them come alive when in their presence. Family and friends play pivotal roles in Noah's growth - each lending a hand in Noah growing up. 😥 I liked how first loves shook up his friendship with Dusty and Sam - one fueled by jealousy and ignorance - one stemmed from petty arguments that lead to volatile results that one can never take back and live with a lifetime of regret. Noah was your everyday Joe - a boy with a good heart who had to grow up too fast, but only for that to make him stronger. Who got caught in a not so everyday moment - a tiger attack that left such a wound that ran deeper than just a visible scar. But, it is the valuable lesson that he learned from it, that would forever stay with him - one that will help him grieve the loss of his father, as well as to appreciate those who have always been there for him. 🫂🫂
There was a quiet beauty to the writing that just - enveloped me. The fateful night with Connor, itself, was drawn so tenderly - this aching foreboding, yet wistful longing to it, where Noah really took those first steps to changing - for the better. I loved the harmony of balancing humor with heart - how Noah behaved with his friends and how he channeled his own fears and questions into one. It felt so natural and so easy to immerse myself into his train of thought, his palpable concerns, his heartfelt attitude - it felt sincere and real and it really resonated well with me. 👍🏻👍🏻 A wave of emotions rushed through me as the story continued - hesitant and unsure of what direction it would take, and then this serene calmness of everything falling into place - fittingly so. It's not one that will have you bawling, but one that has you caring - feeling for Noah's own grief and learning to live with life, as it is. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Life is a furnace sometimes. But you can either burn up in it, or you can come out shining like gold.”
It was an emotional read that touched upon forgiveness and to not judge one's character without knowing the truth of it all - to believe in yourself and trust your instincts. And I do appreciate the lesson learned - it is one that is undeniably true and impossible to challenge, because life is an uncontrollable fate that one can only do the best they can. 🥺 'I’d felt the root of shame, I’d been to the dark house, but I made it out'. It touches your heart and makes you realize how very human we all are - fragile beings in the face of a power greater than that which we can control. It is that quiet moment of acceptance and grieving - both for the young boy he could not save and for the father he had recently lost - that was beautifully depicted. 🥹 Of guilt and shame finally coming to terms with one another in a moment of healing and understanding that just overwhelms you with forgiveness. A soft despair of wishing things could have been different, that if only one action could have changed the outcome - it was such a heartbreaking yet tender moment.
My few wishes - maybe a moment with Connor's father - a moment to apologize or even reflect on a life lost too soon. Maybe a little more portrayal of the case surrounding the tiger, itself; it felt like a floating piece in the narrative that perhaps could have either not been shown, or delved a little deeper into, as well as the mentions of the tiger yet to be found. 🫤 But, other than that, my heart went out to Noah and the light of the fireflies that went out too soon, one that I love how it is captured in the enchanting cover. It was a deeply moving and enriching read, one that I truly enjoyed reading. 🙌🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“To thine oaths be true.”
During the summer of 1981 in Texarkana, Texas on the night of his final day as a sixth-grader - this last day a small but epic step in our quest to become teenagers'- that twelve-year-old Noah Ellis' life would never be the same. Still grieving his father's sudden death in an unexplained tragic drowning, he ends up in a dreadful accident of his own - where an escaped tiger from the zoo ends up attacking him and another boy, who does not survive the attack, and Noah wakes up in the hospital with severe amnesia.
Under the Light of Fireflies is a poignant coming-of-age Young Adult debut of the days that follow in which Noah struggles with the aftermath of a tragic event that captures the attention of the town in a way that places him in a tough spot - torn between doing following the righteous path or the affairs of the heart. Struggling between the want of being accepted by those undeserving, or finding the path of forgiveness. It is a story that reflects on how we cannot really hold any one person accountable for actions not within our grasp, but still learn the difference between that which is acceptable and that which cannot.
“I wished I could remember more. How extraordinarily terrible it must be, I thought, that my mind wouldn’t let the recollection out of its cage.”
At first, I thought the story would focus entirely on Noah trying to get his memory back; but, it became so much more than just that, for which, I was grateful. A wave of nostalgia swept over me as Noah immersed me into his story, as I followed him along the path of danger and mystery - one that I could not stop reading because of how smooth the story flowed. There is an aching sadness that is prevalent throughout of a young boy who cannot understand how his strong and capable and dependable father could have died, whilst also battling with himself to cling to the faintest clue or hint of what really stood between him and a tiger - and how he managed to survive and one boy died. 😢 'Don’t risk your life just to prove something, Noah. It only proves you’re stupid.' Often times, I felt as if I was experiencing a strange case of deja vu; one which made me look back fondly on those coming-of-age movies I grew up watching - one where the protagonist would be at the thresholds of entering adulthood, in the events of a life-altering experience that would propel him to face forward in life and look back on the moments that would forever change him. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
It carries such an insurmountable grief and sadness - one that as he figures out what other secrets lie in wait for what he cannot recall, he also grows as a person - as a brother. One where he reflects on his actions and the people he associates with. I love the 80s vibes and the summer air - his love-hate relationship with his older brother, this heady need to fit in and find your groove, even if it is with older boys who are bullies and not entirely the talk of the town for the right reasons. 'Weakness didn’t have to be real, it only had to be perceived. That’s when they turned on you.' But, it is an important stepping stone for Noah - one which he has to take that journey on his own in order for him to understand the missing pieces of his life - to better reflect on the things he could not grasp.
“It’s not about whether you go into the dark house. It’s about whether or not you make it out.
God made you decent, Noah Ellis. Just be yourself, and never give up hope.”
The characters had their own strong presence that made their attitudes and their interactions cling to my skin, as if the troubles Noah was having to face were my own. The dialogue and their personalities were well-developed and made them come alive when in their presence. Family and friends play pivotal roles in Noah's growth - each lending a hand in Noah growing up. 😥 I liked how first loves shook up his friendship with Dusty and Sam - one fueled by jealousy and ignorance - one stemmed from petty arguments that lead to volatile results that one can never take back and live with a lifetime of regret. Noah was your everyday Joe - a boy with a good heart who had to grow up too fast, but only for that to make him stronger. Who got caught in a not so everyday moment - a tiger attack that left such a wound that ran deeper than just a visible scar. But, it is the valuable lesson that he learned from it, that would forever stay with him - one that will help him grieve the loss of his father, as well as to appreciate those who have always been there for him. 🫂🫂
There was a quiet beauty to the writing that just - enveloped me. The fateful night with Connor, itself, was drawn so tenderly - this aching foreboding, yet wistful longing to it, where Noah really took those first steps to changing - for the better. I loved the harmony of balancing humor with heart - how Noah behaved with his friends and how he channeled his own fears and questions into one. It felt so natural and so easy to immerse myself into his train of thought, his palpable concerns, his heartfelt attitude - it felt sincere and real and it really resonated well with me. 👍🏻👍🏻 A wave of emotions rushed through me as the story continued - hesitant and unsure of what direction it would take, and then this serene calmness of everything falling into place - fittingly so. It's not one that will have you bawling, but one that has you caring - feeling for Noah's own grief and learning to live with life, as it is. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Life is a furnace sometimes. But you can either burn up in it, or you can come out shining like gold.”
It was an emotional read that touched upon forgiveness and to not judge one's character without knowing the truth of it all - to believe in yourself and trust your instincts. And I do appreciate the lesson learned - it is one that is undeniably true and impossible to challenge, because life is an uncontrollable fate that one can only do the best they can. 🥺 'I’d felt the root of shame, I’d been to the dark house, but I made it out'. It touches your heart and makes you realize how very human we all are - fragile beings in the face of a power greater than that which we can control. It is that quiet moment of acceptance and grieving - both for the young boy he could not save and for the father he had recently lost - that was beautifully depicted. 🥹 Of guilt and shame finally coming to terms with one another in a moment of healing and understanding that just overwhelms you with forgiveness. A soft despair of wishing things could have been different, that if only one action could have changed the outcome - it was such a heartbreaking yet tender moment.
My few wishes - maybe a moment with Connor's father - a moment to apologize or even reflect on a life lost too soon. Maybe a little more portrayal of the case surrounding the tiger, itself; it felt like a floating piece in the narrative that perhaps could have either not been shown, or delved a little deeper into, as well as the mentions of the tiger yet to be found. 🫤 But, other than that, my heart went out to Noah and the light of the fireflies that went out too soon, one that I love how it is captured in the enchanting cover. It was a deeply moving and enriching read, one that I truly enjoyed reading. 🙌🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
What a fantastic story! This is going straight on the list to purchase for all my young people. A big life epic adventure of a young boy a tragic loss, a horrific accident and all of the life lessons that follow. I went into this with zero expectations other than filling some sick day time and I was captivated.
Beautifully written, beautifully narrated.
All the stars 🌟
#jorecommends
Huge thanks to Tantor Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Beautifully written, beautifully narrated.
All the stars 🌟
#jorecommends
Huge thanks to Tantor Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
December 22, 2025
I don’t usually pick up YA… as a mom of three, I’m surrounded by enough teenage energy on a regular basis. But the cover of this one caught my eye… and seriously, that cover is the kind of thing I’d frame. I figured if it ended up being something I could recommend to my kids, even better.
Under the Light of Stars was a pleasant surprise for me. It reads with a maturity that adults can enjoy, while still being perfectly suited for middle-school age. This was historical fiction with coming-of-age and light adventure elements. It’s a great pick for young readers, but I’d also recommend it to parents and adult historical-fiction fans. I can think of several friends who would genuinely enjoy it. Is it my cup of tea - no - but surprisingly that doesn’t mean I hated it.
For parents wondering about content: there are a few references to nudie magazines, but nothing explicit, along with some very mild gore. I might hesitate to hand this to my 11-year-old daughter, but my 14-year-old son would most likely enjoy it… though I’m sure he’d tell me it drags in places. (He is my kid after all.)
Grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and for their ongoing courage in letting The Hateful Reader judge things. Shout out to Tantor Media, and Lee Sanders for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: Dec 30, 2025
Under the Light of Stars was a pleasant surprise for me. It reads with a maturity that adults can enjoy, while still being perfectly suited for middle-school age. This was historical fiction with coming-of-age and light adventure elements. It’s a great pick for young readers, but I’d also recommend it to parents and adult historical-fiction fans. I can think of several friends who would genuinely enjoy it. Is it my cup of tea - no - but surprisingly that doesn’t mean I hated it.
For parents wondering about content: there are a few references to nudie magazines, but nothing explicit, along with some very mild gore. I might hesitate to hand this to my 11-year-old daughter, but my 14-year-old son would most likely enjoy it… though I’m sure he’d tell me it drags in places. (He is my kid after all.)
Grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and for their ongoing courage in letting The Hateful Reader judge things. Shout out to Tantor Media, and Lee Sanders for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: Dec 30, 2025
May 26, 2025
I loved this story so much! This is my hometown. I knew all the locations. I remember the zoo. I remember sitting at the baseball field and hearing the monkeys chatter and the lions roar. The rivalry between Arkansas High and Texas High was and is still ongoing (though the ballgames are no more.). There was always all kinds of pranks and mischief during the week of that football game. This brought back so many memories and nostalgia. The storytelling was vivid and the main character felt like someone I went to school with. Great book. I may have to read it again.
May 29, 2025
Loved this coming of age story.
January 8, 2026
(Audio courtesy of Tantor Media and NetGalley.)
God, what do I even rate this story? On the one hand, it's tremendously well written. On the other hand, I did not enjoy my time reading it. But even though I wasn't having a blast, I never ran the book faster than 1.25x to try and race to the finish. I even managed to stay engaged until the last five minutes or so, when I found myself zoning out and not bothering to go back and listen to the ending again.
So, I don't know about the rating yet.
…
I originally picked it up because the synopsis had those sweet, sweet Newbery vibes. I thought, Oh! This is going to be one of those award winners that doesn't have much kid appeal, but adults love. Those books are (usually) my jam.
And that's 100% what this book is: an award-winner in the making. I just don't think I was the adult for it.
Mostly, I couldn't fuck with the bullies. (Yeah, I went full F-bomb there.) Those guys were the absolute worst. And they took up SO much of the book. There was nothing redeeming about them, nothing entertaining about them, and I could not understand why Noah kept going back to interact with them over and over and over again.
Even considering his loneliness and trauma, I'm still confused. I could see why a kid might gravitate toward a bunch of jerks if they were funny? Or popular? Or even remotely interesting? But time after time these guys mocked and belittled Noah, insulted the people he cared about, threatened him — and the few times they did things together, he usually left the encounter feeling bad about himself.
But again, on the whole, the book is very, very well written. There’s a resolution to one of the many conflicts in the story that feels SO earned. And more than once I was certain I knew where the story was going (Chekhov’s signed Joe DiMaggio baseball, anyone?) only to have the author masterfully pivot at the last second.
He also captures the vibes of an angsty, internally dramatic 12-year-old excellently. Which, oof.
(Oh, and once again, I am destroyed by a middle grader who thinks people in my age bracket are elderly.)
“She hopped down the back steps and waltzed through the carport with a smoldering sex appeal. If that was possible for a forty year old woman.”
So, back to the original question. Star rating.
We'll go with a 2 for my enjoyment and a 4.5 for the writing, so… 3.5⭐. (Don't check the math on that too closely…)
Audio-Specific 🎧: Christian Leatherman does a great job. Some people might find his Texas accent a bit overdone, but I have family members that sound just like that, so it worked for me. He also goes hard on the emotional beats of Noah's inner dialogue. That kid is dramatic, and Leatherman brings that drama. It's a strong performance.
📌 TL;DR: I was never bored — I just didn't like it. And I still think this book will win awards.
God, what do I even rate this story? On the one hand, it's tremendously well written. On the other hand, I did not enjoy my time reading it. But even though I wasn't having a blast, I never ran the book faster than 1.25x to try and race to the finish. I even managed to stay engaged until the last five minutes or so, when I found myself zoning out and not bothering to go back and listen to the ending again.
So, I don't know about the rating yet.
…
I originally picked it up because the synopsis had those sweet, sweet Newbery vibes. I thought, Oh! This is going to be one of those award winners that doesn't have much kid appeal, but adults love. Those books are (usually) my jam.
And that's 100% what this book is: an award-winner in the making. I just don't think I was the adult for it.
Mostly, I couldn't fuck with the bullies. (Yeah, I went full F-bomb there.) Those guys were the absolute worst. And they took up SO much of the book. There was nothing redeeming about them, nothing entertaining about them, and I could not understand why Noah kept going back to interact with them over and over and over again.
Even considering his loneliness and trauma, I'm still confused. I could see why a kid might gravitate toward a bunch of jerks if they were funny? Or popular? Or even remotely interesting? But time after time these guys mocked and belittled Noah, insulted the people he cared about, threatened him — and the few times they did things together, he usually left the encounter feeling bad about himself.
But again, on the whole, the book is very, very well written. There’s a resolution to one of the many conflicts in the story that feels SO earned. And more than once I was certain I knew where the story was going (Chekhov’s signed Joe DiMaggio baseball, anyone?) only to have the author masterfully pivot at the last second.
He also captures the vibes of an angsty, internally dramatic 12-year-old excellently. Which, oof.
(Oh, and once again, I am destroyed by a middle grader who thinks people in my age bracket are elderly.)
“She hopped down the back steps and waltzed through the carport with a smoldering sex appeal. If that was possible for a forty year old woman.”
So, back to the original question. Star rating.
We'll go with a 2 for my enjoyment and a 4.5 for the writing, so… 3.5⭐. (Don't check the math on that too closely…)
Audio-Specific 🎧: Christian Leatherman does a great job. Some people might find his Texas accent a bit overdone, but I have family members that sound just like that, so it worked for me. He also goes hard on the emotional beats of Noah's inner dialogue. That kid is dramatic, and Leatherman brings that drama. It's a strong performance.
📌 TL;DR: I was never bored — I just didn't like it. And I still think this book will win awards.
January 7, 2026
Coming-of-age with a different kind of plot.
3.5 stars.
I was underwhelmed really. It was the tiger that leapt out at me (figuratively) from the synopsis. Aside from that, this feels like a Stand By Me coming-of-age story, set in the early 80s in America. The different though is that Noah is struggling with his mixed emotions and desires... while trying to remember an attack where he was mauled and another boy died.
That gets the attention, and through the story Noah is trying to remember what happened to him, why he was injured, why another boy never came back. And why a local zookeeper is part of a trial that he's suddenly made famous by.
Girls. Gangs. Initiations. Little sisters. A dead father. And Noah juggling everything at that age between primary and secondary school (elementary to junior high?), a tough age anyway.
I didn't enjoy the storyline with Noah deciding whether or not he wanted to be in the 'cool kids' gang, though the tests he is set become increasingly dangerous. There's some early romance afoot, and I wanted more of the sweet relationship between Noah and his little sister.
We eventually do learn what happened to Noah at the start of the book, which feels like a relief - to know, as he now does. Even if it is devastating.
An audiobook that didn't really hold my attention though, the story - while not run of the mill - treads familiar ground. For those less familiar it will definitely hold interest though, with unusual plotlines and real danger to the characters.
For ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audiobook.
3.5 stars.
I was underwhelmed really. It was the tiger that leapt out at me (figuratively) from the synopsis. Aside from that, this feels like a Stand By Me coming-of-age story, set in the early 80s in America. The different though is that Noah is struggling with his mixed emotions and desires... while trying to remember an attack where he was mauled and another boy died.
That gets the attention, and through the story Noah is trying to remember what happened to him, why he was injured, why another boy never came back. And why a local zookeeper is part of a trial that he's suddenly made famous by.
Girls. Gangs. Initiations. Little sisters. A dead father. And Noah juggling everything at that age between primary and secondary school (elementary to junior high?), a tough age anyway.
I didn't enjoy the storyline with Noah deciding whether or not he wanted to be in the 'cool kids' gang, though the tests he is set become increasingly dangerous. There's some early romance afoot, and I wanted more of the sweet relationship between Noah and his little sister.
We eventually do learn what happened to Noah at the start of the book, which feels like a relief - to know, as he now does. Even if it is devastating.
An audiobook that didn't really hold my attention though, the story - while not run of the mill - treads familiar ground. For those less familiar it will definitely hold interest though, with unusual plotlines and real danger to the characters.
For ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audiobook.
December 30, 2025
This book sounded quite up my street when I read the synopsis and I wasn't disappointed. The story is set in the early 1980s, although it could have been anytime really and it doesn't hit you over the head with 'nostalgic' references of the period. It did have the feeling of 'Stand by Me' or similar coming-of-age story, with the main character being a boy of the same age and his interactions with his peers. I did find it a bit meandering, and felt it lacked some sort of purpose or 'big adventure', despite it having some dramatic events - perhaps because he was trying to remember things that the reader already knew about, but there were some other revelations about his past that we didn't know. I also felt there were maybe too many different kids in different factions, it was difficult to keep track of which were friends or foes. Overall, it tells the story of the events of one boy's summer, with some happy and sad moments but a lot of everyday life, culminating in him learning some valuable life lessons. Not everything goes his way, sometimes life is very tough for him, but he grows stronger because of it.
I will mention that I enjoyed the narrator's accent very much, which gave additional colour to the Texarkana setting of the book. It also has beautiful cover art.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the chance to review the audio ARC of this book.
I will mention that I enjoyed the narrator's accent very much, which gave additional colour to the Texarkana setting of the book. It also has beautiful cover art.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the chance to review the audio ARC of this book.
October 6, 2025
Under the Light of Fireflies is a heartfelt and beautifully written debut by my friend Lee Sanders that captures the confusion, wonder, and heartbreak of growing up. Set in 1981 Texarkana, the novel follows 12-year-old Noah Ellis as he tries to piece together a fractured memory and life in the wake of unimaginable loss.
From the opening pages, I was pulled into Noah’s world — a place where grief and mystery quietly simmer beneath the surface of everyday life. Sanders writes with a rare emotional honesty, allowing readers to feel every ounce of Noah’s confusion, wanting to belong, and subtle courage. The cast of characters are well-developed and interesting - a protective older brother, a precocious little sister, a Russian stranger, and a tiger that’s as symbolic as it is real. Each moment is laced with a sense of wonder, even in sadness.
What makes this book so special is how it balances heaviness with light. There are moments of humor, beauty, and quiet redemption that shine through Noah’s uncertainty.
This is not just a story about memory or mystery; it's about finding your place when the world no longer makes sense. A powerful debut that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for fans of literary coming-of-age fiction with heart and soul.
From the opening pages, I was pulled into Noah’s world — a place where grief and mystery quietly simmer beneath the surface of everyday life. Sanders writes with a rare emotional honesty, allowing readers to feel every ounce of Noah’s confusion, wanting to belong, and subtle courage. The cast of characters are well-developed and interesting - a protective older brother, a precocious little sister, a Russian stranger, and a tiger that’s as symbolic as it is real. Each moment is laced with a sense of wonder, even in sadness.
What makes this book so special is how it balances heaviness with light. There are moments of humor, beauty, and quiet redemption that shine through Noah’s uncertainty.
This is not just a story about memory or mystery; it's about finding your place when the world no longer makes sense. A powerful debut that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for fans of literary coming-of-age fiction with heart and soul.
April 19, 2025
Noah, a shy and awkward white boy living in Texarkana, Texas in 1981 with his mother and siblings, faces an increasingly difficult life following his father's mysterious death. The summer before high school, when girls were an alien species, and baseball was the center of his universe, takes a devastating turn when he fails to make the team, followed by a tragic accident that leaves him physically impaired. Unable to remember the details of the tragedy, he becomes the subject of gossip and stares while attempting to piece together the night that changed everything. Sanders provides an in-depth exploration of Noah’s feelings, dreams, and terrors. Supporting characters receive less detailed development. The author’s portrayal of the emotional landscape of a teenage boy adds rich dimension to the storyline, while creating sufficiently mean-spirited and detestable antagonists. Detailed descriptions of settings immerse readers in 1980s small-town Texas, creating a thoughtfully detailed coming-of-age story. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
March 5, 2025
I'm not a frequent reviewer on Goodreads, but what a great surprise! I'm typically a non-fiction reader. I love stories of outdoor adventures like hiking the Appalachian Trail or riding bikes around the world. Well, Sanders took me on a totally different adventure in Under the Light of Fireflies. More akin to Goonies and Catcher in the Rye, young Noah explores life of a young teenager in Texarkana. We get to witness Noah's wisdom growing due to his unfortunate - and fortunate - sub-stories of life. The characters are great. The detail behind the settings is well-written - just enough to plant the seeds of your imagination. I was about 1/2 way done when I found myself reading one evening. I ended up finishing the 2nd half in a single night. So here's the review to help spread the word.
I wonder what else the author has planned. Seems this is his first publication? Sanders, if you're reading this, I hope your next book is a prequel with Connor as the protagonist -- no credit required, just write it! ;-)
I wonder what else the author has planned. Seems this is his first publication? Sanders, if you're reading this, I hope your next book is a prequel with Connor as the protagonist -- no credit required, just write it! ;-)
August 21, 2025
Wow. Just… wow. Under the Light of Fireflies completely pulled me in and refused to let go. Lee Sanders has crafted a deeply heartfelt and immersive story that perfectly balances nostalgia, mystery, and raw emotion.
I instantly connected with Noah, his struggles, his confusion, and his quiet strength felt so real that it was like living inside his memories. The small-town Texarkana setting, the secrets hiding beneath the surface, and the way the story slowly unfolds… everything was beautifully written.
This isn’t just a coming-of-age story, it’s about family, loss, identity, and finding light in the darkest places. The writing is gentle yet powerful, and Lee Sanders truly has a gift for pulling readers into his world.
If you love books that make you feel something long after you’ve turned the last page, this one’s for you. Honestly, this gem deserves way more reviews and way more readers. Highly recommended!
I instantly connected with Noah, his struggles, his confusion, and his quiet strength felt so real that it was like living inside his memories. The small-town Texarkana setting, the secrets hiding beneath the surface, and the way the story slowly unfolds… everything was beautifully written.
This isn’t just a coming-of-age story, it’s about family, loss, identity, and finding light in the darkest places. The writing is gentle yet powerful, and Lee Sanders truly has a gift for pulling readers into his world.
If you love books that make you feel something long after you’ve turned the last page, this one’s for you. Honestly, this gem deserves way more reviews and way more readers. Highly recommended!
February 28, 2025
I could not get into this book, and I tried several times. There were so many names and I just didn't care enough to keep track of who was who. But the thing that really made me dislike the writing style was that the story was being told in first person--a young male character, yet his thoughts were written in a completely unbelievable voice, like he was an adult. This was a DNF for me at about 15%.
OK, here are a couple of passages. I mean, the writing is lovely, but definitely NOT the voice of a 12-year old boy:
"After a while, we drove up a long rise where a glow came booming into sight. We crossed the interstate and the life of my hometown rushed upon us, belying the solitude of the farmland we'd just left behind."
And
"Beyond that huddled the hollow remnant of a once bustling downtown, crying about a glittery past to which no one listened."
NO CHILD IN THE WORLD THINKS OR SPEAKS THIS WAY.
OK, here are a couple of passages. I mean, the writing is lovely, but definitely NOT the voice of a 12-year old boy:
"After a while, we drove up a long rise where a glow came booming into sight. We crossed the interstate and the life of my hometown rushed upon us, belying the solitude of the farmland we'd just left behind."
And
"Beyond that huddled the hollow remnant of a once bustling downtown, crying about a glittery past to which no one listened."
NO CHILD IN THE WORLD THINKS OR SPEAKS THIS WAY.
December 26, 2025
Under the Light of Fireflies is a really compelling coming of age story. I felt like I could see some similarities to Demon Copperhead. I don't think it is the same story by any means - but it definitely bought that story to mind while I was listening. The narrator does an amazing job bringing the story and characters to life. I thought there were some areas where the story started to lag a little and it felt a little long. But overall a really emotional and enjoyable listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 28, 2025
A coming of age tale that unfolds over a summer that begins in tragedy. Growing up in the 80s/90s, I appreciated the memories it stirred up of riding bikes and catching fireflies. The writing was beautiful in places, but clunky in others and I struggled with the voice belonging to a twelve year old. Even though he was retelling the events as an adult (kind of like Ralph in A Christmas Story) it sometimes took me out of the story.
May 18, 2025
What a truly interesting read. The story was multilayered, heartbreaking and hopeful with a little bit of disbelief mixed in. I loved Noah’s character and how well the author addressed Noah’s personal losses and ultimate triumph. The story is based in the town the author grew up in which added authenticity and a special touch. Highly recommend.
January 3, 2026
The story of a twelve-year-old boy, doing twelve-year-old boy things, as it should be!
When bad things happen and he has no memory of what happened, he begins the inevitable climb of growing up, but remains a twelve-year-old teenager.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christian Leatherman and I really enjoyed his interpretation.
When bad things happen and he has no memory of what happened, he begins the inevitable climb of growing up, but remains a twelve-year-old teenager.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christian Leatherman and I really enjoyed his interpretation.
April 3, 2025
This debut novel was really good. It had a surprising element that I hadn't expected. I enjoyed reading about an area that is close to where I live. A Southern summer of a 6th grade boy in the 80's with a freedom that sometimes gets him into trouble.
May 17, 2025
This debut novel needed a stronger editor. I was drawn to the time and place, as the narrator is growing up in a small Texas town in the early 1980s. Yet the tale — at times harrowing and other times sentimental — rambles with a few too many characters and too many overwritten sentences. 3.5 stars
March 3, 2025
Great Read
Hard book to put down! Sanders tells such a vivid story you feel as if you know the characters and can picture everything perfectly! Can’t wait for his next book!
Hard book to put down! Sanders tells such a vivid story you feel as if you know the characters and can picture everything perfectly! Can’t wait for his next book!
March 25, 2025
A coming of age story. Pretty good!
April 30, 2025
A good nostalgic, coming of age drama centered around a boy and his friends in the early 1980’s.
June 23, 2025
I grew up in Texarkana and was 10 in 1981. I could picture the setting so vividly, not only from my memories, but also the descriptions. The story is so compelling. I loved it!
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