 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Lucky for Good
- By Susan Patron
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Third book in offbeat series explores the meaning of family.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book is the third in a trilogy that began with the Newbery Award winner The Higher Power of Lucky. Each book can be read separately, but the whole story would make more sense if read in order. Lucky is a thoughtful character and this book includes discussions of evolution, Darwin vs. the Bible, life after death, heaven and hell, and other issues that make kids worry. Characters struggle with prejudice, addiction, and more, but there is a sweet message about the true meaning of family -- and how it can be about something far wider than biological relationship.
What's the story?
Lucky's life in the impoverished desert community of Hard Pan is not an easy one, and when the health department threatens to close down her adopted mother's restaurant, the challenges only increase. She is grappling with other big issues, too, like how she feels about her missing father, how best to confront the prejudice against her immigrant stepmom, and what to do when her dinosaur-loving friend is reunited with his mother, a recovering addict who wants him to read only the Bible. With the support of some very quirky characters she tries to put life in perspective, for herself and those she loves.
Is it any good?
This third book in the series is sometimes uneven and a bit disjointed, but the story is packed with humor, heartwarming episodes, and well-drawn characters. Readers will find it easy to care about spunky Lucky, a girl with a heart as big as the desert sky and a mind full of "what ifs." The characters are eccentric -- Lincoln is a knot-tying expert, and Lucky herself investigates anything she encounters, from owl pellets to the ancient Viking alphabet -- but kids will appreciate the topics she and her friends talk about, and the way they care for one another. Lucky and her crazy community make it a lot of fun to think about important issues, such as the meaning of life -- and family.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this series. How does this third book compare to the other Lucky books? Why do you think the author wanted to write more about Lucky's story? Do you think the publisher would have been as interested in publishing them if the first book, The Higher Power of Lucky, hadn't won the Newbery Award?
There are a lot "what ifs" swirling around Lucky's brain, from what if her adoptive mother dies to what if she is going to hell? Do you think some of these worries are things that all kids think about? Parents may want to use this as an opportunity to address some of the things their kids may be worrying about.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Excellent
Lucky is a spunky girl who touches your heart. I wish the CSM reviewer treated her fairly. She grows from the first book to the third, which is the point. It bothers me that such things as a "tender kiss" are pointed out. You make it seem "dirty" when in fact that is a part of growing up. I hope all young readers will read this book. And, yes I hope they will heed Lucky's words about censorship. Lucky, after all, does use her brain.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Must read book!!
Even though its true that a "tender kiss" happens, who said that's not life? You can make it seem like a bad thing, but its not. Its just what happens is the authors idea, the authors spark of imagination. If you can disagree that this is an outstanding book, you are INSANE! This book, though not for someone 8 or under, is very good. If you have not read this, you should. All of the wonderful Lucky books are insanly good.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Susan Patron |
| Illustrator: | Erin McGuire |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Atheneum |
| Publication date: | August 9, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 224 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 10 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
