The Girl Who Owned a City is a post-apocalyptic novel that was first published in 1975 by O.T. Nelson. The story is set in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and follows a 10-year-old girl named Lisa who is struggling to survive in a world where a deadly plague has killed all the adults. The novel is considered to be best suited for readers between the ages of 12 and 15 and is sometimes taught in schools.
The Girl Who Owned a City has gained popularity over the years and has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dan Jolley with art by Joëlle Jones and Jenn Manley Lee. The novel’s popularity can be attributed to its themes of survival, leadership, and empowerment. The story shows children that they are important and have the ability to think and make a difference, even in the face of adversity.
The novel’s plot has been praised for its unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre and its portrayal of strong female characters. The story’s themes have resonated with readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic. The Girl Who Owned a City is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction, and its messages of hope and empowerment are sure to inspire readers of all ages.
Plot Summary
The Girl Who Owned a City is a post-apocalyptic young adult novel by O.T. Nelson. The story takes place in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where a virus has killed everyone over the age of twelve. The protagonist, Lisa Nelson, is a ten-year-old girl who becomes the leader of a group of children in her neighborhood.
Lisa takes on the responsibility of finding food and supplies for her group, eventually discovering an abandoned supermarket. With the help of her friends, Todd and Jill, Lisa transforms the supermarket into a fortress, protecting her group from outside threats.
As Lisa’s group grows, they face challenges from other groups of children who want to take over their territory. Lisa must use her intelligence and leadership skills to protect her group and maintain their independence.
Throughout the book, Nelson emphasizes the importance of children taking responsibility for their own lives and working together to create a better future. The Girl Who Owned a City is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Characters
Lisa
Lisa is the main character of the novel. She is a strong and independent 10-year-old girl who takes charge of her own survival after a virus kills everyone over the age of 12. Lisa is resourceful and brave, and she quickly becomes a leader to the other children in her community. She is determined to find a way to survive and thrive in this new world.
Todd
Todd is Lisa’s younger brother. He is only 6 years old, and he relies on Lisa to take care of him. Todd is scared and unsure of what to do in this new world, but he trusts Lisa completely. He is a sweet and loving boy who looks up to his sister.
Jill
Jill is one of Lisa’s friends. She is a smart and capable girl who helps Lisa with her plans to survive. Jill is a bit of a rebel, and she sometimes clashes with Lisa over how to handle certain situations. However, she is a loyal friend who always has Lisa’s back.
The characters in “The Girl Who Owned a City” are well-developed and relatable. Lisa, Todd, and Jill each bring something unique to the story, and their interactions with each other are both heartwarming and tense. As the children struggle to survive in this dangerous new world, they learn important lessons about friendship, leadership, and the power of determination.
Themes
Survival
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson is a story of survival. The main character, Lisa, is a 10-year-old girl who becomes the leader of a group of children after a virus kills all adults. The children must learn to survive in a world where resources are scarce and gangs of children roam the streets. The theme of survival is evident throughout the book as Lisa and her group struggle to find food, water, and shelter.
Leadership
Another theme in The Girl Who Owned a City is leadership. Lisa emerges as a natural leader, taking charge of her group and making difficult decisions. She is a strong, intelligent, and resourceful character who inspires others to follow her. The book illustrates the importance of leadership in times of crisis and how one person can make a difference.
Community
The theme of community is also present in The Girl Who Owned a City. Lisa’s group of children form a community, working together to survive and protect each other. They create their own rules and systems of governance, with Lisa as their leader. The book highlights the importance of community in times of crisis and how people can come together to overcome adversity.
Setting
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has killed off all adults and left children to fend for themselves. The story takes place in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
The setting of the story is important because it sets the tone for the entire novel. The empty streets, abandoned buildings, and lack of adult supervision create a sense of isolation and danger for the children. They must learn to survive in a world where the rules have changed and they are responsible for their own safety.
The author does an excellent job of describing the setting in vivid detail. The reader can imagine the desolate streets, the empty houses, and the children wandering aimlessly in search of food and shelter. The setting is a character in itself, shaping the actions and decisions of the children as they navigate their new world.
Literary Analysis
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson is a post-apocalyptic young adult novel that explores the themes of leadership, survival, and the power of knowledge. The story follows Lisa Nelson, a ten-year-old girl who takes on a leadership role after a virus kills off everyone over the age of twelve.
Throughout the novel, Nelson emphasizes the importance of education and critical thinking. Lisa recognizes that knowledge is power and uses her intelligence to find food, organize her community, and protect her people from dangerous gangs. This theme is especially relevant in today’s society, where access to information is more important than ever.
Another significant theme in the novel is the idea that children are capable of making a difference. Nelson wrote the book to show children that they are important and have the ability to think and act for themselves. Lisa’s character is a prime example of this, as she takes on a leadership role and makes important decisions that ultimately save lives.
The Girl Who Owned a City is a well-written and engaging novel that provides valuable lessons for young readers. It emphasizes the importance of education, critical thinking, and leadership, and shows that even the youngest members of society can make a difference.
Reception
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson has received positive feedback from readers and critics alike. The book has been praised for its unique concept, well-developed characters, and engaging plot. Some readers have also appreciated the book’s underlying message of empowerment and self-reliance for young people.
The book has been taught in schools, and its graphic novel adaptation has also received positive reviews. The graphic novel adaptation, with art by Joëlle Jones and Jenn Manley Lee, has been praised for its stunning visuals and faithful adaptation of the original story.
Overall, The Girl Who Owned a City has left a lasting impression on readers, and its impact on the dystopian genre cannot be ignored. Its themes of survival, resourcefulness, and determination continue to inspire young readers today.
Adaptations
The Girl Who Owned a City has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dan Jolley with art by Joëlle Jones and Jenn Manley Lee. The graphic novel was published in 2012 and follows the original story closely. The adaptation is a great way to introduce the story to a new generation of readers who may not have read the original novel.
The graphic novel adaptation is a visually stunning representation of the original story. The illustrations are detailed and engaging, and the graphic novel format allows for a more immersive reading experience. The adaptation is faithful to the original story, and the characters are well-developed and relatable.
Overall, the graphic novel adaptation of The Girl Who Owned a City is a great way to experience the story in a new format. It is a visually stunning and engaging adaptation that stays true to the original story. Fans of the original novel will enjoy the graphic novel adaptation, and new readers will be introduced to a classic story in a new and exciting way.
Author’s Background
O.T. Nelson, the author of “The Girl Who Owned a City,” was born in Minnesota in 1928 and passed away in 2012. He was a writer and an editor for over 30 years, working for various publications such as the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Nelson’s interest in writing for young adults began when he was a father and wanted to find books that his children would enjoy reading. He is known for writing books that focus on young people taking action and making a difference in their communities.
“The Girl Who Owned a City” was Nelson’s only published novel, but it has become a classic in the young adult dystopian genre. The book was published in 1975 and has since been translated into several languages. It has been praised for its strong female protagonist and its exploration of themes such as leadership, survival, and the power of knowledge.
Nelson’s legacy as a writer for young adults continues to inspire readers and writers alike. His belief in the importance of young people and their ability to make a difference is evident in his work, and his contributions to the genre will not be forgotten.
Influence on Literature
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson has been a significant influence on young adult literature since its publication in 1975. The novel is considered to be one of the earliest examples of the post-apocalyptic genre in young adult literature and has inspired many works in this genre.
The book’s portrayal of a world where all adults have died from a mysterious virus, leaving children to fend for themselves, has been particularly influential. The Girl Who Owned a City has been credited with inspiring other post-apocalyptic works such as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Maze Runner by James Dashner.
Additionally, the novel’s strong female protagonist, Lisa, has been a source of inspiration for many young readers. Lisa’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership skills have made her a role model for young girls and have influenced the portrayal of female characters in young adult literature.