Lucky Breaks

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Book Summary

Lucky is almost eleven and ready for life to change. Life in Hard Pan (population 43) is the same as ever. Lincoln, her best friend, is still tying knots, though now he plans to enter a contest which, if he wins, will take him to Europe for school. Lucky doesn't like the idea that she might be left alone in Hard Pan without Lincoln. Miles, their 6 year-old genius sidekick, tells Lucky and Lincoln a story about a brooch lost in Hard Pan's abandoned well years ago. But once Paloma comes to town, Lucky is smitten with the idea of a new best friend -- a girl -- someone with whom she can laugh and dream. In trying to impress Paloma, Lucky neglects and even hurts her old friends. But once Lucky gets herself into a frightening situation involving the abandoned well, she begins to see just how important and special her old friends truly are.

Is It Any Good?

This story, like the small town depicted, is not filled with splash or action, and it unfolds with quiet intrigue. The first half of the book is fairly slow, and some kids may have a hard time committing to finishing the book. But dedicated readers will enjoy the eclectic characters going about their daily life -- running a cafe, tying knots, living in an old water tank, receiving deliveries from trucks -- and eventually will be rewarded with action that proceeds swiftly. Once Lucky and Paloma go on their adventure the story moves more quickly and unfolds with satisfaction.

There are some good messages embedded in this story, such as paying attention to the things you care about, how it's worse to be hurtful than to get hurt, and that being afraid of responsibility can be harmful. As a character, Lucky feels both immature and too mature at the same time, as she makes selfish decisions but also seems to have an ability to self-reflect and apologize. Overall, this story is best for committed readers who don't mind a small-town pace, and for those who are willing to get to know an eclectic cast of likable characters.