Under the Light of Fireflies – A Coming-of-Age Novel by Lee Sanders
Set in 1980s Texas, a luminous story of grief, friendship, and resilience
Under The Light of Fireflies
A debut coming-of-age novel by Lee Sanders
"Sanders weaves a perfectly paced, compelling novel that will challenge and ultimately reward readers." - Booklist
"An action-packed, heartfelt coming-of-age story...A boy learns to accept the unpredictability of life and finds his own sense of self in the
transformative novel."- Foreword Reviews
About The Book
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.
Editorial Reviews
“Debut author Sanders delivers a powerful, coming-of-age novel set in 1981 Texarkana... [and] weaves a perfectly paced, compelling novel that will challenge and ultimately reward readers... All told, Under the Light of Fireflies is a home run.”
— Ana Menchaca, Booklist
“A boy learns to accept the unpredictability of life and finds his own sense of self in the transformative novel Under the Light of Fireflies.”
— Julia Dillman, Foreword Reviews
“The author’s portrayal of the emotional landscape of a teenage boy adds rich dimension to the storyline... Detailed descriptions of settings immerse readers in 1980s small-town Texas, creating a thoughtfully detailed coming-of-age story.”
— Youth Services Book Review
About the Book
It’s 1981 in Texarkana, and Noah Ellis is trying hard to remember... Still reeling from the loss of his father in a suspicious tragedy, Noah faces a new one—an inexplicable death that leaves him with severe amnesia.
As summer unravels, Noah becomes the center of a high-profile trial and is thrust into friendships, attention, and the pressure of protecting his sister. He must piece together his past to reclaim what’s truly precious.
What Critics Say
“A powerful, coming-of-age novel... a home run.”
— Booklist
“A transformative novel.”
— Foreword Reviews
Praise for Under The Light of Fireflies
Critics are calling Under the Light of Fireflies a heartfelt, action-packed story of resilience and growth. In his debut novel, Lee Sanders weaves a coming-of-age tale that captures the innocence of youth while tackling profound themes of loss, identity, and courage with directness, heart and honesty.
"Readers may be inspired by his story to examine their own associations—and even if not, they’ll be riveted by the grisly, graphic events that Noah at last recalls from that traumatic night. "
Sanders weaves a perfectly paced, compelling novel that will challenge and ultimately reward readers. He doesn ’t shy away from discussing death, sexuality, gender roles, and other topics that become more pronounced for teenagers, and Noah’ s own complicated choices are handled with nuance. — Ana Menchaca
An action-packed, heartfelt coming-of-age story, Lee Sanders’s novel Under the Light of Fireflies is set during an eventful summer. A boy learns to accept the unpredictability of life and finds his own sense of self in the transformative novel. - Julia Dillman
Youth Services Book Review
"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."
Step Into The Story
Sometimes, the truth isn’t what it seems—until you finally see it
I’d called Connor trash because I never knew him. He wasn’t involved with sports or even the band. Instead, he took woodshop, dressed wrong, and was a loner. That’s how I judged him. I knew that if I was spotted with him, then the others would judge me too. The others made it hard to do the right thing. For once, though, I could see the truth. I could see that Connor was just as good as they were and maybe even better.
In the park, we first rode by the zoo where tire ruts had been dug up across the lawn and a sign was smashed over. Teenagers, I thought. We continued past the old WWII fighter plane with the eyes and fangs painted on, then headed to the springhouse where cold water gushed into the creek and pond. Crossing over the bridge, we coasted through the playground to the two stone lookouts at the entrance, jumped off, and climbed the ladders inside. It was warm and smelled of urine, so we got down and walked our bikes to the swings. There we took a seat, and I turned my eyes near the entrance to watch Jill’s house.
“Who lives there?” Connor asked.
“Which one?”
“The one you keep staring at.”
“I’m not staring.”
“You’ve been watching it since we got here.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I see. So, it’s a girl that lives there.”
I pretended that I didn’t know what he was talking about, but it was useless.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “A girl does live there. Jill Newcastle.”
“And you like her.”
“Yep.”
“Have you asked her out?”
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t know what she’d say. You’re the only one who knows about it anyway.”
“You think so, huh?”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s gone for most of the summer.”
A Hearfelt Coming of Age Story
Critics are calling Under the Light of Fireflies a heartfelt coming-of-age story you won’t forget. Join Noah as he salvages all that he's lost, and learns what is truly precious. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable novel!
Order Your CopyStep Into The Story
The past doesn’t disappear—it just waits to be remembered.
The sad eyes of the Hotel Grim stood watch over downtown Texarkana like a ghost in a graveyard. The sparkle and hope that once shone in them had faded to black, leaving only empty windows staring into the past. Their departed majesty still held a flicker, though, and I could picture a dapper young man standing next to a grand staircase, waiting for his bride to descend. They would cross to the rail station, happy and excited, board the train for New Orleans, and disappear down the tracks, speaking only of the golden days ahead and nothing of what they’d left behind.
“Did you know that Bonnie and Clyde once stopped by that hotel?” Mr. Roundtree asked, pointing his scissors toward the plate glass window.
“You mean the gangsters?” I replied.
“You bet,” he said with a wink as he snipped my hair. “They happened to stop by the hotel restaurant for lunch. Bonnie ordered a sandwich. Didn’t get to finish it, though. She was spotted right off, and they had to high-tail it out of there.”
“Did the police catch them?”
“No, sir. They slipped away.”
“Why’s the hotel so run down now?”
“Folks stopped riding the train, and it’s not like this town is Shangri-La. It was too expensive to keep up, so they closed it down. It’s condemned now.”
For as long as I could remember, I’d gone downtown for my haircuts at a barbershop called Hank’s. When my dad was alive, he’d take me there for a trim, and afterward, we’d grab breakfast and wander through the empty old district. All that remained were a few scattered shops, bail-bond offices, and the bi-state justice center.
Nevertheless, a kind of romance still lingered in those tired gray streets, with their abandoned buildings and shuttered storefronts. It was like walking through an old photograph—one that reminded me of my father and the moments we used to share.
Lee Sanders
Author of Under the Light of Fireflies
About the Author
Raised on radio, Lee Sanders is a Texas author who likes to write from the hip. His passions include guitars, grilling, and golf, although he's not afraid of perusing a classic novel or catching a football game. He lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Zina, and their two daughters, Emilia and Caroline. He was born and raised in Texarkana and graduated with a degree in History from East Texas State. Under the Light of Fireflies is his debut novel.
Author Interview
A National Public Radio interview with Lee Sanders, discussing Under the Light of Fireflies
Step Into The Light
Critics are calling Under the Light of Fireflies a heartfelt coming-of-age story you won’t forget. Join Noah as he salvages all that he's lost, and learns what is truly precious. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable novel!
Order Your CopyLee Sanders: From Texarkana Roots to Bestseller
In this exclusive interview with Lee Sanders by Sheveport ABC affiliate KTBS, the Texarkana native discusses his debut novel “Under The Light of Fireflies.”
Step Into The Light
Critics are calling Under the Light of Fireflies a heartfelt coming-of-age story you won’t forget. Join Noah as he salvages all that he's lost, and learns what is truly precious. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable novel!
Order Your CopyReach Out
Have a question, thought, or just want to share your experience with reading Under the Light of Fireflies? Leave a message for the author! Your words and reflections are always welcome.