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Just Lucky
Fifteen-year-old Lucky loves her grandparents. True, her grandmother forgets things, like turning the stove off, or Lucky's name, but her grandfather takes such good care of them that Lucky doesn't realize how bad things are . . . until she loses her grandfather and is left caring for her grandmother on her own. When her grandma sets the kitchen on fire, Lucky can't hide what's happening any longer, and she is sent into foster care. She quickly learns that some families are okay, and some aren't. And some really, really aren't. None of them feel like home. And they're certainly not family.
248 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 12, 2019
Lucky is 15 and lives with her grandparents. Her best friend, Ryan, is literally the boy next door. When her grandfather dies, Lucky does her best to take over the role of caring for her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s. An accident brings the attention of the authorities to their home situation, resulting in Lucky being placed in foster care.
A series of foster placements take her away from the familiarity of what used to be her life. Some placements are weird, some are okay and some are downright creepy. None of them are home. All the while, Lucky holds out hope that soon she and her grandmother will be able to return to their own home.
Although the publisher’s website states the target audience for this book is 13 to 18 years, the writing style felt more suitable for younger readers, with the exception of some swearing. This made me think this was a Hi-Lo book, although I cannot find any information to support this assumption. This was a short book with over sixty very short chapters, and a quick read. I didn’t have any problems with the overall story but I wanted it to be fleshed out more.
While I was told what was happening I never got beyond the idea that I was reading a series of, ‘this happened, then that happened, this person said this, then that happened’. There weren’t many expressed emotions, other than some tears (after which I was consistently told that Lucky wasn’t a crier) and the fact that almost every time Lucky encountered confrontation she resorted to physical violence, even though there was no indication she had ever behaved that way before.
I stand by my previous reviews where I’ve said we need more books about foster care. While I loved that this book talked about foster care and did explore a few of the different types of homes foster kids are placed in, I felt there were some missed opportunities as well.
I’ve read a few books recently that have included so many young adult social issues that it began to feel like I was reading social issue soup and this book felt like that too. Although plenty of boxes have been checked (most are included in my content warnings) it felt like their existence was only acknowledged in Lucky’s story rather than adequately dealt with.
Lucky is Indigenous; her grandparents are Cree. While bannock is mentioned (which I definitely need to try for myself) and Lucky experiences racism based on her heritage, this was pretty much the extent of its inclusion in this book. The author also has Cree heritage and I would have loved to have learned more about this.
There were gaps in the story that I filled in myself. For example, Lucky’s best friend I made up scenarios of when and how that went down myself.
The descriptions were quite repetitive. While there were a few more that I’m not mentioning here, food smelt “heavenly” four times and something was “amazing” nineteen times. If this is a Hi-Lo book the repetition makes sense. If it’s not, I have a problem with it. Because I don’t know for sure, I’m currently sitting on the fence about it.
Content warnings include .
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Second Story Press for the opportunity to read this book.
A series of foster placements take her away from the familiarity of what used to be her life. Some placements are weird, some are okay and some are downright creepy. None of them are home. All the while, Lucky holds out hope that soon she and her grandmother will be able to return to their own home.
Although the publisher’s website states the target audience for this book is 13 to 18 years, the writing style felt more suitable for younger readers, with the exception of some swearing. This made me think this was a Hi-Lo book, although I cannot find any information to support this assumption. This was a short book with over sixty very short chapters, and a quick read. I didn’t have any problems with the overall story but I wanted it to be fleshed out more.
While I was told what was happening I never got beyond the idea that I was reading a series of, ‘this happened, then that happened, this person said this, then that happened’. There weren’t many expressed emotions, other than some tears (after which I was consistently told that Lucky wasn’t a crier) and the fact that almost every time Lucky encountered confrontation she resorted to physical violence, even though there was no indication she had ever behaved that way before.
I stand by my previous reviews where I’ve said we need more books about foster care. While I loved that this book talked about foster care and did explore a few of the different types of homes foster kids are placed in, I felt there were some missed opportunities as well.
I’ve read a few books recently that have included so many young adult social issues that it began to feel like I was reading social issue soup and this book felt like that too. Although plenty of boxes have been checked (most are included in my content warnings) it felt like their existence was only acknowledged in Lucky’s story rather than adequately dealt with.
Lucky is Indigenous; her grandparents are Cree. While bannock is mentioned (which I definitely need to try for myself) and Lucky experiences racism based on her heritage, this was pretty much the extent of its inclusion in this book. The author also has Cree heritage and I would have loved to have learned more about this.
There were gaps in the story that I filled in myself. For example, Lucky’s best friend I made up scenarios of when and how that went down myself.
The descriptions were quite repetitive. While there were a few more that I’m not mentioning here, food smelt “heavenly” four times and something was “amazing” nineteen times. If this is a Hi-Lo book the repetition makes sense. If it’s not, I have a problem with it. Because I don’t know for sure, I’m currently sitting on the fence about it.
Content warnings include .
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Second Story Press for the opportunity to read this book.
June 10, 2019
What this book does best is bring the emotional roller coaster of being in the foster care system to the page with such vividness that it sucks you in. Just Lucky is heartfelt, heartbreaking, but hopeful at the same time and it's all balanced perfectly.
I really enjoyed the characters, I thought they were all well-developed. I liked the diversity, and the friendships depicted in this book were just beautiful. I found the story to be one that felt special as I was reading it, and the plot was paced to my liking.
Just Lucky is the perfect book for readers who are into contemporary.
(ps. trigger warning for sexual abuse and substance abuse)
*Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Rating: 4/5 stars
I really enjoyed the characters, I thought they were all well-developed. I liked the diversity, and the friendships depicted in this book were just beautiful. I found the story to be one that felt special as I was reading it, and the plot was paced to my liking.
Just Lucky is the perfect book for readers who are into contemporary.
(ps. trigger warning for sexual abuse and substance abuse)
*Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Rating: 4/5 stars
November 12, 2025
Mostly, Lucky Robinson has lived up to her name. She lives with her Cree grandparents in a nice house and attends a school she loves and has a best friend Ryan. But then her luck runs out: Her grandfather dies, and Lucky discovers that her grandmother’s “forgetfulness” is a lot worse than just that. So Lucky gets sent off to foster care.
Americans tend to idealize Canada (I know that I do), but their foster-care system still seems a lot better than ours. Even so, poor Lucky needs her wits to thrive and finally find home. I loved this slender book so much. There’s a bit of cursing in the book — a realistic level — but Lucky is a great protagonist who will inspire the hundreds of thousands of children in foster care, whether in Canada or its southern neighbor.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Second Story Press in exchange for an honest review.
Americans tend to idealize Canada (I know that I do), but their foster-care system still seems a lot better than ours. Even so, poor Lucky needs her wits to thrive and finally find home. I loved this slender book so much. There’s a bit of cursing in the book — a realistic level — but Lucky is a great protagonist who will inspire the hundreds of thousands of children in foster care, whether in Canada or its southern neighbor.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Second Story Press in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2019
I was provided this ARC in exhange for a honest review by Second Story Press & Melanie Florence atNetGalley This book review can also be found at my blog Moony's book blog
This book gave me all these kind of emotions. I was laughing but the next I was sad, then I was furious and somewhat empty. I felt for her granma, I felt for her grandpa… I felt so much for Ryan..and Lucky.. I wanted to just bring them in for a big hug…and tell them everything were going to be okay. Wich, to be fair it wasn’t even though I hoped. And oh my, Lucky’s mother made me wanna slap her…but also gag and roll my eyes at, damn a more horrible woman you’ll search long for. Ugh. I just can’t.
Lucky ended up in foster care, wich we already know and let me tell you some of these people are a little odd, like too perfect and too…nice you know? Like thei’re hiding something.. and dipping into the book more… they are creeping me out. Seriously. I’m sitting there like “eww.” This book is kind of a rollercoaster ride of the good kind, I just want Lucky to be happy.. because I like Lucky a lot. I’m like yay Lucky is finally happy, and then no… and then something else is happening and I’m just tapping away on my kindle… crossing my fingers for a happy ending! I could’nt put the book down, and that is saying something! It was lots of things happening by every turn and I loved the book so much from start to finish. It touched so many subjects like racaism, being gay and what comes with it, love, care, demetia.. and more…I just loved it so much… I didn’t want it to be over so fast. But I am so happy I got to read this particular book.
This book gave me all these kind of emotions. I was laughing but the next I was sad, then I was furious and somewhat empty. I felt for her granma, I felt for her grandpa… I felt so much for Ryan..and Lucky.. I wanted to just bring them in for a big hug…and tell them everything were going to be okay. Wich, to be fair it wasn’t even though I hoped. And oh my, Lucky’s mother made me wanna slap her…but also gag and roll my eyes at, damn a more horrible woman you’ll search long for. Ugh. I just can’t.
Lucky ended up in foster care, wich we already know and let me tell you some of these people are a little odd, like too perfect and too…nice you know? Like thei’re hiding something.. and dipping into the book more… they are creeping me out. Seriously. I’m sitting there like “eww.” This book is kind of a rollercoaster ride of the good kind, I just want Lucky to be happy.. because I like Lucky a lot. I’m like yay Lucky is finally happy, and then no… and then something else is happening and I’m just tapping away on my kindle… crossing my fingers for a happy ending! I could’nt put the book down, and that is saying something! It was lots of things happening by every turn and I loved the book so much from start to finish. It touched so many subjects like racaism, being gay and what comes with it, love, care, demetia.. and more…I just loved it so much… I didn’t want it to be over so fast. But I am so happy I got to read this particular book.
September 8, 2019
Lucky always felt fortunate to be part of a loving trio: her, her grandfather, and her grandmother, but she knew something was wrong with her grandmother. She had been forgetting and becoming more and more confused each day. After her grandfather's sudden death, Lucky was left to care for her grandmother, and that was when she realized she would not be able to provide the appropriate care. With no other familial options, Lucky was forced into the foster care system. It was a roller coaster of ups and downs, but eventually, Lucky believed she could find a "home".
My heart went out to Lucky. She had experienced quite a bit of loss and disappointment in her 15 years, but she was resilient. There were moments, when I thought she had given up, but with some support from her friends and found family, she was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We spent a lot of time watching Lucky move from house to house, which I know is very common in foster care. I was worried at first, that it was just going to be a disaster parade, but Florence actually illustrated several different types of situations wards may encounter while in the system. My heart broke as Lucky bounced from place to place, but I found some solace in the fact that she was able to make some lasting connections in a few of those homes.
Loved!
• Lucky's grandmother and the special bond they shared
• Ryan, her steadfast best friend
• Lucy, Charlie, Jake, Isabelle, and Janie - her found family
• Lucky's love of comics
• THE ENDING!! (There were happy tears)
Overall: A fast-paced story of one young woman's challenges navigating the foster care system, while also dealing with a profound loss of her loved ones in her daily life.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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My heart went out to Lucky. She had experienced quite a bit of loss and disappointment in her 15 years, but she was resilient. There were moments, when I thought she had given up, but with some support from her friends and found family, she was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We spent a lot of time watching Lucky move from house to house, which I know is very common in foster care. I was worried at first, that it was just going to be a disaster parade, but Florence actually illustrated several different types of situations wards may encounter while in the system. My heart broke as Lucky bounced from place to place, but I found some solace in the fact that she was able to make some lasting connections in a few of those homes.
Loved!
• Lucky's grandmother and the special bond they shared
• Ryan, her steadfast best friend
• Lucy, Charlie, Jake, Isabelle, and Janie - her found family
• Lucky's love of comics
• THE ENDING!! (There were happy tears)
Overall: A fast-paced story of one young woman's challenges navigating the foster care system, while also dealing with a profound loss of her loved ones in her daily life.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
October 10, 2019
3.5 stars. Just Lucky is a touching story about a girl’s journey through losing the only home and family she has ever known and a series of foster homes as she learns to embrace her new reality.
When Lucky’s grandfather suddenly dies, it’s not long before someone realises that her grandmother is unwell and unable to care for herself or Lucky. As her grandmother is taken to a care facility, Lucky is placed in one foster home after another. Finding somewhere to belong is hard when you’ve already lost your home.
What you see is what you get in Just Lucky. Lucky is a straightforward narrator. Short, sharp chapters divide this book into easy to read chunks. There is lots of dialogue, and minimal extra details. We don’t learn a lot about life for Lucky before the start of the book and events move quickly. It’s a short book and will be perfect and easy to read for reluctant readers.
Lucky is placed in a series of foster homes that span the range of possible placements - from abusive foster carers and frequent moves due to unforeseen circumstances, to accepting homes with caring foster parents. This is neither a book about the terribleness of the foster system, nor does it expound on its virtues, it’s just a story about a small section of a girl’s journey. And yes, there is a nice, happy ending.
Themes of racism and homophobia are addressed in Just Lucky. Lucky is not afraid to stand up for herself or her friends and she, her best friend and foster siblings all face bullying and prejudice for their heritage or sexual orientation. Like the author, Lucky identifies as Cree, a First Nations people from North America.
With my librarian hat on now, I know Just Lucky will be perfect for readers who need something quick to devour, and for those with a high maturity but a low reading level.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
When Lucky’s grandfather suddenly dies, it’s not long before someone realises that her grandmother is unwell and unable to care for herself or Lucky. As her grandmother is taken to a care facility, Lucky is placed in one foster home after another. Finding somewhere to belong is hard when you’ve already lost your home.
What you see is what you get in Just Lucky. Lucky is a straightforward narrator. Short, sharp chapters divide this book into easy to read chunks. There is lots of dialogue, and minimal extra details. We don’t learn a lot about life for Lucky before the start of the book and events move quickly. It’s a short book and will be perfect and easy to read for reluctant readers.
Lucky is placed in a series of foster homes that span the range of possible placements - from abusive foster carers and frequent moves due to unforeseen circumstances, to accepting homes with caring foster parents. This is neither a book about the terribleness of the foster system, nor does it expound on its virtues, it’s just a story about a small section of a girl’s journey. And yes, there is a nice, happy ending.
Themes of racism and homophobia are addressed in Just Lucky. Lucky is not afraid to stand up for herself or her friends and she, her best friend and foster siblings all face bullying and prejudice for their heritage or sexual orientation. Like the author, Lucky identifies as Cree, a First Nations people from North America.
With my librarian hat on now, I know Just Lucky will be perfect for readers who need something quick to devour, and for those with a high maturity but a low reading level.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
July 14, 2019
A very emotional read, I was in tears from halfway through and it didn’t stop until the end. A very quick YA read but not without real power or emotion. Not sure if I’m an adult who loves YA that I found this so much harder and emotional to read or if a YA reader will be the same. I just felt despite her bad situations how lucky that Lucky is eventually, because so many others aren’t and go through far worse and I think that knowledge makes it such a hard read. You suffer with her, get angry with her. A really powerful and emotive read that stays with you after you close the book. This should be curriculum reading, and encouraged for YA and adults to read and understand. How easy it is for people to get lost in the system and be not listened to and predators to get to them. Also touching dealing with dementia and loss. It touches on racism and I’ve seen reviewers criticise this as the authorities and careers don’t really deal with it properly, like its unrealistic, funnily enough this is what happens in life, it’s disgusting but this is representative of reality sadly, as I said a truly powerful read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
April 28, 2020
Rating: 3.75/5.00
What did you wish for when life didn't turn out the way you planned?
Set in a modern society where one's backstory play a vital role in justifying their presence, this book tells a story of Lucky, a fifteen-year old girl who had to lose almost everything when his beloved grandfather passed away and she was only left with her grandmother to take care of. Knowing the fact that her grandma's failing memory will soon alter their lives altogether, Lucky knows she soon has to admit to bid her goodbyes and let her grandma to get the care she most needed, a healthcare system for Alzheimer sufferers. This plot will allow you to follow Lucky through her different experiences in each foster system and how she manages to survive whilst still maintaining close eye on her grandma.
The diverse social issues mentioned in this plot are the ultimate reasons as to why I enjoy the book, especially the fact that the representation of racial subject was indeed poignant and genuine all throughout. The characters are very lovable and I adore Lucky and Ryan's friendship and how he was at times may seem very mature in giving advice to Lucky, despite their age.
However, I was a tad bit apprehensive at first to devour the complex situation of Lucky's journey to find the 'homey' foster system. I personally considered the complexity was too illusive in certain parts, but still bearable for me to enjoy.
All in all, this book is amazing and I highly recommend for anyone who's interested in this type of contemporary.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of my honest reviews - all opinions are my own.
What did you wish for when life didn't turn out the way you planned?
Set in a modern society where one's backstory play a vital role in justifying their presence, this book tells a story of Lucky, a fifteen-year old girl who had to lose almost everything when his beloved grandfather passed away and she was only left with her grandmother to take care of. Knowing the fact that her grandma's failing memory will soon alter their lives altogether, Lucky knows she soon has to admit to bid her goodbyes and let her grandma to get the care she most needed, a healthcare system for Alzheimer sufferers. This plot will allow you to follow Lucky through her different experiences in each foster system and how she manages to survive whilst still maintaining close eye on her grandma.
The diverse social issues mentioned in this plot are the ultimate reasons as to why I enjoy the book, especially the fact that the representation of racial subject was indeed poignant and genuine all throughout. The characters are very lovable and I adore Lucky and Ryan's friendship and how he was at times may seem very mature in giving advice to Lucky, despite their age.
However, I was a tad bit apprehensive at first to devour the complex situation of Lucky's journey to find the 'homey' foster system. I personally considered the complexity was too illusive in certain parts, but still bearable for me to enjoy.
All in all, this book is amazing and I highly recommend for anyone who's interested in this type of contemporary.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of my honest reviews - all opinions are my own.
May 23, 2020
This book gave me such a good mood after an incredibly emotional journey. I loved it from the beginning to the end. The fast pacing managed to keep me entertained at all times. And the chapters were unbelievably short, so all the more reason to read "just one more chapter."
Lucky was raised by her grandparents, so when age begins to take over them, she has no choice but to go into foster homes. Homes, not home, because that life is really hard. I was shocked by her first foster family, so of course that I got attached to Lucky more and more through her tough story.
Initially, I was intimidated by the subject of foster homes. I don't know too much about it, only that it's not a pleasant experience, so I was reluctant, but I'm glad I gave this book a chance. It made me love its characters and live that hard life. I was scared of Lucky but also happy for her. The story is crafted with a sense of reality. It has diverse characters, from which I will mention a gay character and others from different ethnicities. It is also a collection of family stories. Each family that Lucky sees is different, unique in its own way. And because you don't know what will happen, you imagine that's the family she will have to stay with.
The book definitely made me conscious about life in foster care, but also about mental diseases, like Alzheimer's, and the importance of family. It was a marvelous experience full of emotion that I wish more people would read and be aware of.
Lucky was raised by her grandparents, so when age begins to take over them, she has no choice but to go into foster homes. Homes, not home, because that life is really hard. I was shocked by her first foster family, so of course that I got attached to Lucky more and more through her tough story.
Initially, I was intimidated by the subject of foster homes. I don't know too much about it, only that it's not a pleasant experience, so I was reluctant, but I'm glad I gave this book a chance. It made me love its characters and live that hard life. I was scared of Lucky but also happy for her. The story is crafted with a sense of reality. It has diverse characters, from which I will mention a gay character and others from different ethnicities. It is also a collection of family stories. Each family that Lucky sees is different, unique in its own way. And because you don't know what will happen, you imagine that's the family she will have to stay with.
The book definitely made me conscious about life in foster care, but also about mental diseases, like Alzheimer's, and the importance of family. It was a marvelous experience full of emotion that I wish more people would read and be aware of.
February 4, 2021
I got this book today and didn't stop until I was finished, because I was hooked. I choose this book for two reasons: one, I don't often get the chance to read about teenagers in the Canadian foster care system, and two so I could cross off "read a book by an Indigenous author" of my 2021 reading list. A decision I am so glad I made because Melanie Florence is a wonderful storyteller and amazing author who crafted a book that deserves way more praise.
Ever since I was younger I have said that I want to be a foster parent because I had come to understand that far too often children are placed in homes where they misunderstood, abused, and taken advantage. Yet nobody really seems to talk about it and foster kids or those stories aren't represented in books. Which is why I am so glad that this book does through the lens of a teenage girl named Lucky. A character who the author developed beautifully and is incredibly resilient, compassionate, loyal, and true to herself. There are characters who are amazing too with Lucky's grandma being one of them and Lucky's best friend Ryan!
Reading this book will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions all the to the end and cheering out loud Lucky. As well if you are anything like me it will have you inspired again to look into becoming a foster parent (one day in the future).
Ever since I was younger I have said that I want to be a foster parent because I had come to understand that far too often children are placed in homes where they misunderstood, abused, and taken advantage. Yet nobody really seems to talk about it and foster kids or those stories aren't represented in books. Which is why I am so glad that this book does through the lens of a teenage girl named Lucky. A character who the author developed beautifully and is incredibly resilient, compassionate, loyal, and true to herself. There are characters who are amazing too with Lucky's grandma being one of them and Lucky's best friend Ryan!
Reading this book will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions all the to the end and cheering out loud Lucky. As well if you are anything like me it will have you inspired again to look into becoming a foster parent (one day in the future).
April 18, 2019
This is one of those books that breaks your heart, and then makes you feel all warm and fuzzy and happy again.
It looks so innocent, and you get to know Lucky, and love her, and hope for the best, even as you know it won't be all that she wants it to be.
Lucky's mother abandoned her, because, as she puts it, "you can't bring a newborn into a casino for hours at a time, or forget about her entirely and leave her beside a slot machine."
Lucky has been living with her grandparents, and has a best friend who is into the same comic books as she is, and it all seems fine, until Grandpa dies, and Gramma starts forgetting things, like turning off the stove. After she nearly burns down the house, Gramma is taken away, and Lucky goes into foster care.
I love how she deals with this. How she makes friends with the other foster care children via comics. She knows which ones suit the kids at each of the different houses she ends up going ot. It helps her survive.
And the little things such as the doorbell at foster house number 4, which played the them from Doctor Who.
And the heart rendering things, as well.
The book grabbed me by the throat and took me along for the ride. I wouldn't say it is fun, but it is heartwarming, sweet, and clever.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It looks so innocent, and you get to know Lucky, and love her, and hope for the best, even as you know it won't be all that she wants it to be.
Lucky's mother abandoned her, because, as she puts it, "you can't bring a newborn into a casino for hours at a time, or forget about her entirely and leave her beside a slot machine."
Lucky has been living with her grandparents, and has a best friend who is into the same comic books as she is, and it all seems fine, until Grandpa dies, and Gramma starts forgetting things, like turning off the stove. After she nearly burns down the house, Gramma is taken away, and Lucky goes into foster care.
I love how she deals with this. How she makes friends with the other foster care children via comics. She knows which ones suit the kids at each of the different houses she ends up going ot. It helps her survive.
And the little things such as the doorbell at foster house number 4, which played the them from Doctor Who.
And the heart rendering things, as well.
She didn't tell me everything was going to be okay. She didn't try to do that thing adults do where they try to fix all your problems. Janine just let me cry and held me until I was ready to go home.
The book grabbed me by the throat and took me along for the ride. I wouldn't say it is fun, but it is heartwarming, sweet, and clever.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 21, 2019
Omg this book was so good but so so very sad. As I write this I’m in tears. It was beautiful and gave me all the feelings. It’s a must read! Thank you netgalley for the ARC 💖
January 18, 2020
Kind of basic,bland, and rushed. It read like a wattpad fan fiction....
May 6, 2019
I received an electronic ARC through NetGalley.
so far i haven't seen any trigger warnings for this book but let me fill you in. there are mentions of racism, sexual assault(?) which may or may not lead to rape. the book also touched on sensitive topics like finding your identity and a sense of belonging, so if any of those trigger you, please read at your discretion.
what i enjoyed
1. lucky's relationship with her grandmother
2. lucy!!
i tucked the blanket around her so she became a little baby burrito with only her head visible.
'i love you,' lucky called out sleepily. i rolled over.
'i love you too, lucy.'
3. jake, charlie, ryan, janine, and the boy from the first house (i forgot his name)
4. the ending!
what did you wish for when life didn't turn out the way you planned? when the place you ended up finally felt like home and the people around you made up one incredibly weird but amazing family?
what i didn't like/ made me chuck my phone across my bed
1. the overuse of the word 'shit' because based on the reading level it is pretty inappropriate for the target group
2. robert is the epitome of a human trash/ spider.
who's going to believe in you?
gross.
3. the apparent normalcy for lucky to use violence to fight anyone.
i do feel like using violence in self-defence is reasonable, but using violence just because you are angry is unacceptable. this is not exactly dealt with and it's painting a wrong picture for impressionable young minds who are going to read this that it is fine to use violence over someone using words to agitate oneself.
so far i haven't seen any trigger warnings for this book but let me fill you in. there are mentions of racism, sexual assault(?) which may or may not lead to rape. the book also touched on sensitive topics like finding your identity and a sense of belonging, so if any of those trigger you, please read at your discretion.
what i enjoyed
1. lucky's relationship with her grandmother
2. lucy!!
i tucked the blanket around her so she became a little baby burrito with only her head visible.
'i love you,' lucky called out sleepily. i rolled over.
'i love you too, lucy.'
3. jake, charlie, ryan, janine, and the boy from the first house (i forgot his name)
4. the ending!
what did you wish for when life didn't turn out the way you planned? when the place you ended up finally felt like home and the people around you made up one incredibly weird but amazing family?
what i didn't like/ made me chuck my phone across my bed
1. the overuse of the word 'shit' because based on the reading level it is pretty inappropriate for the target group
2. robert is the epitome of a human trash/ spider.
who's going to believe in you?
gross.
3. the apparent normalcy for lucky to use violence to fight anyone.
i do feel like using violence in self-defence is reasonable, but using violence just because you are angry is unacceptable. this is not exactly dealt with and it's painting a wrong picture for impressionable young minds who are going to read this that it is fine to use violence over someone using words to agitate oneself.
June 30, 2019
Thank you very much NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of Just Lucky in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Impressions: Simple and endearing, but I do wish that the author would have dared to delve deeper into certain topics.
Just Lucky tells the story of a girl named Lucky, who was lucky to be graciously taken in by her grandparents when it became clear that her mother was too negligent and self-absorbed to raise her. And for 15 long years, Lucky lived in utter bliss alongside her strong-minded Grandma, her jolly Grandpa, and frequently accompanied by her childhood best friend Ryan. Days passed by without a hint of regret.
Paradise rapidly descends into mayhem, however, when Lucky is reminded of the inevitable consequences of age. In a matter of days, everything that she’s ever known - everything that had provided her life with stability - is thrown off track, and she finds herself thrust into the foster care system. Forced to fend for herself for the first time ever, she gets a rude awakening as to just how cruel the world can be, and now, she must muster up the will to keep trusting, to keep on believing, to keep loving.
What I adore about Just Lucky is that it delves into topics that are not often discussed in YA literature. Honestly, when I picked up this book, I had since forgotten the basic premise, and so I was pleasantly surprised to see that one of the grandparents showed common symptoms of dementia. As someone who has an aunt who suffers from Pick’s disease, which is a form of dementia that impacts emotions, behaviorism, personality, and language, I was glad to see the awful sickness represented in this piece because it is important to make people more aware of it, stressing its dangers as well as the turmoils it inflicts upon those close to the sufferer. I would have appreciated reading a piece such as this earlier in my lifetime so that I could’ve been more adequately prepared for what was to come, and Melanie Florence was very diligent in bringing to light all sides of the disease - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The foster care system is also another prominent factor within this text, and although I cannot say whether it is accurate or not (since I am not well-acquainted with the procedure), I nevertheless found it incredibly heartbreaking to read. Torn away from one home from another from another, Lucky becomes desperate for some semblance of normalcy, but she is reluctant to let down her barriers and allow anybody in, rightfully so. You never know you’ll have to pack up your bags and go at a moment’s notice. This book also explores the injustices within the foster care system, for in spite of the fact a family has been approved to take in and nurture children, that does not necessarily they are good people. There is always that risk of being dragged into a toxic household, and I am thankful that Florence thought it is obligatory to enlighten her readers on this pitfall.
I also was a big fan of the relationships illustrated throughout the book. Even though Lucky is doomed to reside in a home for no more than a few weeks, when she forms a bond with someone, you as the reader are so ecstatic because you are rooting for Lucky to still have faith. When times get tough, it is integral that you have a support system of some kind to drag you out the mud, and that’s what these friendships do for Lucky. Her wholesome, constant friendship with her gay best friend, Ryan, is a highlight of the book because, no matter what, they prioritize communication so that, regardless of the distance between them, they are there for one another. Lucky also befriends several of the foster children she meets along the way - some her own age, some younger - in addition to one of parents who was a former foster child. In particular, I thought Luck’s near kinship with a little girl named Lucy and a booknerd named Isabella was insanely cute and charming because they clicked like that. Drawn together via either their absent mother or their love for comic books, it seemed to be a match made in heaven, and I so wish that we could spent more time with those characters to establish their dynamics further.
Now, I do have two grips regarding this book. First and foremost is the lack of repercussions in response to abhorrent racism. Over the course of the novel, there are several occasions in which Lucky is discriminated by her fellow classmates and foster children, and nothing is done. I understand that these sort of terrible events happen in real life, but I think it sends the wrong sort of message that it is simply swept under the rug. Lucky released her frustrations through a punch to the bully’s face, her caretakers were livid and talked to the administration, but other than that, nada. I was shocked when Lucky’s alleged friend, Jake, who was friends with the bully, did not defend her in any way, shape, or form. All in all, the explicit racism was not dealt with in an appropriate way, and I would’ve hoped that there would have been some punishment to such vile behavior.
Lastly, I just wanted this book to be longer. There were so many bright spots within this text that could have been ignited and turned into dazzling flames had they been given more fuel. It is clear that Melanie Florence had good intentions with Just Lucky, but she poured out the product when she should have left it to ferment for a little longer, the book did not quite hit the bullseye.
Overall, I would recommend Just Lucky because it is a fast and easy read that delves into topics that should be discussed more in day to day life. Melanie Florence created a story with true heart, letting her readers know that one can always find light in the darkest of times - so long as you don’t seal your heart with a lock and key. Happiness is never too far out of reach.
Overall Impressions: Simple and endearing, but I do wish that the author would have dared to delve deeper into certain topics.
Just Lucky tells the story of a girl named Lucky, who was lucky to be graciously taken in by her grandparents when it became clear that her mother was too negligent and self-absorbed to raise her. And for 15 long years, Lucky lived in utter bliss alongside her strong-minded Grandma, her jolly Grandpa, and frequently accompanied by her childhood best friend Ryan. Days passed by without a hint of regret.
Paradise rapidly descends into mayhem, however, when Lucky is reminded of the inevitable consequences of age. In a matter of days, everything that she’s ever known - everything that had provided her life with stability - is thrown off track, and she finds herself thrust into the foster care system. Forced to fend for herself for the first time ever, she gets a rude awakening as to just how cruel the world can be, and now, she must muster up the will to keep trusting, to keep on believing, to keep loving.
What I adore about Just Lucky is that it delves into topics that are not often discussed in YA literature. Honestly, when I picked up this book, I had since forgotten the basic premise, and so I was pleasantly surprised to see that one of the grandparents showed common symptoms of dementia. As someone who has an aunt who suffers from Pick’s disease, which is a form of dementia that impacts emotions, behaviorism, personality, and language, I was glad to see the awful sickness represented in this piece because it is important to make people more aware of it, stressing its dangers as well as the turmoils it inflicts upon those close to the sufferer. I would have appreciated reading a piece such as this earlier in my lifetime so that I could’ve been more adequately prepared for what was to come, and Melanie Florence was very diligent in bringing to light all sides of the disease - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The foster care system is also another prominent factor within this text, and although I cannot say whether it is accurate or not (since I am not well-acquainted with the procedure), I nevertheless found it incredibly heartbreaking to read. Torn away from one home from another from another, Lucky becomes desperate for some semblance of normalcy, but she is reluctant to let down her barriers and allow anybody in, rightfully so. You never know you’ll have to pack up your bags and go at a moment’s notice. This book also explores the injustices within the foster care system, for in spite of the fact a family has been approved to take in and nurture children, that does not necessarily they are good people. There is always that risk of being dragged into a toxic household, and I am thankful that Florence thought it is obligatory to enlighten her readers on this pitfall.
I also was a big fan of the relationships illustrated throughout the book. Even though Lucky is doomed to reside in a home for no more than a few weeks, when she forms a bond with someone, you as the reader are so ecstatic because you are rooting for Lucky to still have faith. When times get tough, it is integral that you have a support system of some kind to drag you out the mud, and that’s what these friendships do for Lucky. Her wholesome, constant friendship with her gay best friend, Ryan, is a highlight of the book because, no matter what, they prioritize communication so that, regardless of the distance between them, they are there for one another. Lucky also befriends several of the foster children she meets along the way - some her own age, some younger - in addition to one of parents who was a former foster child. In particular, I thought Luck’s near kinship with a little girl named Lucy and a booknerd named Isabella was insanely cute and charming because they clicked like that. Drawn together via either their absent mother or their love for comic books, it seemed to be a match made in heaven, and I so wish that we could spent more time with those characters to establish their dynamics further.
Now, I do have two grips regarding this book. First and foremost is the lack of repercussions in response to abhorrent racism. Over the course of the novel, there are several occasions in which Lucky is discriminated by her fellow classmates and foster children, and nothing is done. I understand that these sort of terrible events happen in real life, but I think it sends the wrong sort of message that it is simply swept under the rug. Lucky released her frustrations through a punch to the bully’s face, her caretakers were livid and talked to the administration, but other than that, nada. I was shocked when Lucky’s alleged friend, Jake, who was friends with the bully, did not defend her in any way, shape, or form. All in all, the explicit racism was not dealt with in an appropriate way, and I would’ve hoped that there would have been some punishment to such vile behavior.
Lastly, I just wanted this book to be longer. There were so many bright spots within this text that could have been ignited and turned into dazzling flames had they been given more fuel. It is clear that Melanie Florence had good intentions with Just Lucky, but she poured out the product when she should have left it to ferment for a little longer, the book did not quite hit the bullseye.
Overall, I would recommend Just Lucky because it is a fast and easy read that delves into topics that should be discussed more in day to day life. Melanie Florence created a story with true heart, letting her readers know that one can always find light in the darkest of times - so long as you don’t seal your heart with a lock and key. Happiness is never too far out of reach.
November 26, 2024
TRIGGER WARNING: Alzheimer, incendio, linguaggio razzista e omofobo, slut-shaming, aggressione verbale e fisica, molestie, tentata violenza sessuale, pedofilia.
Lucky ha sempre vissuto con i suoi nonni perché sua madre, quando ha capito che non poteva portarsi il suo "portafortuna" nei casinò per giocare d'azzardo e consumare crack, ha ben deciso di lasciarla ai suoi genitori.
E Lucky è cresciuta amata da due nonni forti e giusti valori - tanto che sono stati i primi a difendere il suo migliore amico Ryan quando questo ha fatto coming out con i suoi genitori ed è stato picchiato e rifiutato.
E sì, la nonna ha qualche problema di memoria, ma è la vecchiaia... no? Suo nonno le dice che non è così grave e che c'è lui a prendersi cura di loro, ma un giorno all'improvviso il nonno muore e ora sono solo sua nonna e Lucky. E la nonna comincia a peggiorare velocemente e Lucky non può essere sempre presente, quindi ad un certo punto accade l'inevitabile: la nonna deve essere ricoverata per accertamenti e non essendoci altri famigliari a disposizione, l'unica opzione per Lucky è quella di essere collocata presso dei genitori affidatari.
Ma non tutti i genitori affidatari rispecchiano davvero l'immagine che danno al mondo esterno e agli assistenti sociali e Lucky ha solo se stessa su cui contare.
Nella sua relativa brevità non ho trovato la narrazione frettolosa come forse mi sarei aspettata inizialmente, ma c'è stato comunque... qualcosa che mi ha impedito di dargli un voto più alto.
Lucky ha quindici anni, ma nella maggior parte delle occasioni non li dimostra - né in un senso e neanche nell'altro. Ogni tanto ha delle uscite molto immature, ma nelle altre occasioni parla in maniera molto matura - dimostrando molto più dei quindici anni che dovrebbe avere, ma ci potrebbe anche stare essendo cresciuta con i nonni.
Per fortuna non ho esperienze di genitori affidati e case temporanee, ma molte volte mi è sembrato che Lucky avesse fin troppa libertà di movimento - soprattutto considerato che ha solo quindici anni. A parte la prima casa - in cui ho trovato anche qui inverosimile il fatto che gli assistenti sociali "permettessero" che a Lucky venisse fatta scuola in casa insieme al figlio naturale della coppia invece che frequentare una scuola vera e propria come aveva fatto fino al giorno prima - in generale Lucky può andare e venire come pare (ma tornando per cena) senza che nessuno si preoccupi che possa scappare di casa. O forse contano sul fatto che non lascerebbe mai la nonna e quindi la potrebbero trovare sicuramente nella sua vecchia casa oppure al capezzale di Daisy Robinson.
Ad un certo punto in una famiglia lega con un bambina piccola - di cui non viene detta l'età - e Lucky promette sempre che la andrà a trovare e resteranno in contatto, ma non so se una cosa del genere sia effettivamente possibile.
In generale comunque mi è piaciuto - come dicevo prima, nella sua brevità le esperienze diverse vissute da Lucky sono ben narrate e descritte senza risultare né troppo esasperate e neanche troppo trattate all'acqua di rose. L'unica cosa che ho trovato troppo esasperata è l'ostilità mostrata da una ragazza nella nuova scuola frequentata da Lucky solo perché la prima è infatuata del nuovo fratello adottivo della seconda. Mostra subito una cattiveria, un razzismo e uno slut-shaming forse troppo esagerato perché okay essere gelose, ma datti una calmata che questa è appena arrivata e sta passando l'inferno - però è grazie a queste Elyse che scopriamo che Lucky è di origine nativo-americana. Non che fosse un dettaglio necessario da sapere quello della sua eredità genetica, ma un po' di background iniziale non avrebbe guastato.
Carino, ma mi è mancato quel qualcosa in più.
Lucky ha sempre vissuto con i suoi nonni perché sua madre, quando ha capito che non poteva portarsi il suo "portafortuna" nei casinò per giocare d'azzardo e consumare crack, ha ben deciso di lasciarla ai suoi genitori.
E Lucky è cresciuta amata da due nonni forti e giusti valori - tanto che sono stati i primi a difendere il suo migliore amico Ryan quando questo ha fatto coming out con i suoi genitori ed è stato picchiato e rifiutato.
E sì, la nonna ha qualche problema di memoria, ma è la vecchiaia... no? Suo nonno le dice che non è così grave e che c'è lui a prendersi cura di loro, ma un giorno all'improvviso il nonno muore e ora sono solo sua nonna e Lucky. E la nonna comincia a peggiorare velocemente e Lucky non può essere sempre presente, quindi ad un certo punto accade l'inevitabile: la nonna deve essere ricoverata per accertamenti e non essendoci altri famigliari a disposizione, l'unica opzione per Lucky è quella di essere collocata presso dei genitori affidatari.
Ma non tutti i genitori affidatari rispecchiano davvero l'immagine che danno al mondo esterno e agli assistenti sociali e Lucky ha solo se stessa su cui contare.
Nella sua relativa brevità non ho trovato la narrazione frettolosa come forse mi sarei aspettata inizialmente, ma c'è stato comunque... qualcosa che mi ha impedito di dargli un voto più alto.
Lucky ha quindici anni, ma nella maggior parte delle occasioni non li dimostra - né in un senso e neanche nell'altro. Ogni tanto ha delle uscite molto immature, ma nelle altre occasioni parla in maniera molto matura - dimostrando molto più dei quindici anni che dovrebbe avere, ma ci potrebbe anche stare essendo cresciuta con i nonni.
Per fortuna non ho esperienze di genitori affidati e case temporanee, ma molte volte mi è sembrato che Lucky avesse fin troppa libertà di movimento - soprattutto considerato che ha solo quindici anni. A parte la prima casa - in cui ho trovato anche qui inverosimile il fatto che gli assistenti sociali "permettessero" che a Lucky venisse fatta scuola in casa insieme al figlio naturale della coppia invece che frequentare una scuola vera e propria come aveva fatto fino al giorno prima - in generale Lucky può andare e venire come pare (ma tornando per cena) senza che nessuno si preoccupi che possa scappare di casa. O forse contano sul fatto che non lascerebbe mai la nonna e quindi la potrebbero trovare sicuramente nella sua vecchia casa oppure al capezzale di Daisy Robinson.
Ad un certo punto in una famiglia lega con un bambina piccola - di cui non viene detta l'età - e Lucky promette sempre che la andrà a trovare e resteranno in contatto, ma non so se una cosa del genere sia effettivamente possibile.
In generale comunque mi è piaciuto - come dicevo prima, nella sua brevità le esperienze diverse vissute da Lucky sono ben narrate e descritte senza risultare né troppo esasperate e neanche troppo trattate all'acqua di rose. L'unica cosa che ho trovato troppo esasperata è l'ostilità mostrata da una ragazza nella nuova scuola frequentata da Lucky solo perché la prima è infatuata del nuovo fratello adottivo della seconda. Mostra subito una cattiveria, un razzismo e uno slut-shaming forse troppo esagerato perché okay essere gelose, ma datti una calmata che questa è appena arrivata e sta passando l'inferno - però è grazie a queste Elyse che scopriamo che Lucky è di origine nativo-americana. Non che fosse un dettaglio necessario da sapere quello della sua eredità genetica, ma un po' di background iniziale non avrebbe guastato.
Carino, ma mi è mancato quel qualcosa in più.
September 22, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was published September 17, 2019, by Second Story Press.
My parents, who had five children of their own, took in one of my brother's teen friends, Bobby, as a foster kid. That boy was broken. My father was a stay at home Dad after an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Someone was always there if you needed help. We offered Bobby as much love as we could. It wasn't enough.
In my twenties I worked with teens who were in care. Most of them were girls who had been sexually abused in their homes, and for some, the abuse continued in foster homes.
There is a shortage of good foster homes, especially for teens. I have known this since then. I wish that we had opened up our home up for kids who needed them. But my partner and I both worked full time. I worked with children all day, and felt I couldn't deal with more our own two when I got home.
My cousin and his partner, two of the people I admire most in the world, have fostered over 30 children. They make a commitment to those kids and make them part of their family forever. Family get togethers are quite the event.
You are probably wondering why I'm going on about foster care here. It's because of this book. It's because I know the truth in Melanie Florence's novel.
Lucky is a smart young teen who lives with her Cree grandparents. Her mother, an addict, is incapable of taking care of her, but she has a good life. Her best friend, Ryan, lives nearby. Grandma has been getting more and more forgetful, but Grandpa is there to help out and look after her. When he dies unexpectedly, Lucky tries to take care of her, but then Grandma almost burns the house down and is diagnosed with Alzheimers. Grandma ends up in a home and Lucky ends up in the foster system.
As soon as Lucky landed in her first placement, I had to put the book down. I needed to prepare myself for what was about to happen. Unfortunately she ends up in four homes before finally ending up in a place that works for her.
In spite of the difficulties Lucky has to endure, she is blessed with a good friend in Ryan who she has known since they were little. While in care Lucky manages to befriend many other children. I loved that it was often through a shared love of graphic novels and comic books. Through them we come to know the gamut of experiences that land kids in care in the first place.
I appreciate the diverse characters in this book. I appreciate that Florence shows us the racism that Lucky has to endure and how many adults just don't understand it.
While I think this book is appropriate for students aged twelve and up, my wish is that teachers and other adults will read it. At the least they will understand what it means for the children they work with who are in care. At best, maybe they will decide to open up their own homes.
My parents, who had five children of their own, took in one of my brother's teen friends, Bobby, as a foster kid. That boy was broken. My father was a stay at home Dad after an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Someone was always there if you needed help. We offered Bobby as much love as we could. It wasn't enough.
In my twenties I worked with teens who were in care. Most of them were girls who had been sexually abused in their homes, and for some, the abuse continued in foster homes.
There is a shortage of good foster homes, especially for teens. I have known this since then. I wish that we had opened up our home up for kids who needed them. But my partner and I both worked full time. I worked with children all day, and felt I couldn't deal with more our own two when I got home.
My cousin and his partner, two of the people I admire most in the world, have fostered over 30 children. They make a commitment to those kids and make them part of their family forever. Family get togethers are quite the event.
You are probably wondering why I'm going on about foster care here. It's because of this book. It's because I know the truth in Melanie Florence's novel.
Lucky is a smart young teen who lives with her Cree grandparents. Her mother, an addict, is incapable of taking care of her, but she has a good life. Her best friend, Ryan, lives nearby. Grandma has been getting more and more forgetful, but Grandpa is there to help out and look after her. When he dies unexpectedly, Lucky tries to take care of her, but then Grandma almost burns the house down and is diagnosed with Alzheimers. Grandma ends up in a home and Lucky ends up in the foster system.
As soon as Lucky landed in her first placement, I had to put the book down. I needed to prepare myself for what was about to happen. Unfortunately she ends up in four homes before finally ending up in a place that works for her.
In spite of the difficulties Lucky has to endure, she is blessed with a good friend in Ryan who she has known since they were little. While in care Lucky manages to befriend many other children. I loved that it was often through a shared love of graphic novels and comic books. Through them we come to know the gamut of experiences that land kids in care in the first place.
I appreciate the diverse characters in this book. I appreciate that Florence shows us the racism that Lucky has to endure and how many adults just don't understand it.
While I think this book is appropriate for students aged twelve and up, my wish is that teachers and other adults will read it. At the least they will understand what it means for the children they work with who are in care. At best, maybe they will decide to open up their own homes.
July 25, 2019
I have admired the work of Melanie Florence for a while now and when I saw her new middle grade novel Just Lucky was available I jumped on the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I completely fell in love with the story. If I didn’t have children and a family to answer to, I would have read it in one sitting. From page one I was hooked on Lucky, her Grandma and Grandpa and her best friend Ryan.
Lucky lives with her maternal grandparents as her mother is in no position to take care of her. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember. Her best friend Ryan has always lived next door and she is happy. One day Lucky’s whole life is turned upside down and she is left to discover the meaning of home and family again.
There is so much bite to this story. Melanie Florence doesn’t shy away from including a lot of heavy emotional baggage in the story. She addresses homophobia, death, Alzheimer’s, the foster care system, racism, and addiction all while infusing the story with so much love, hope and strength. You might think, how can one book address all of these things in any meaningful way. Melanie Florence tackles these topics head on making room to explore and think about the effects on young people. There are some incredible moments in the story around bullying and microaggressions faced by people of colour and Indigenous people. Lucky has an honest and visceral reaction in these moments. I especially love Lucky’s imperfection. She is not a perfect character by any means but she is strong! She makes some terrible choices in challenging moments but there is not a single time where she was not strong, honest and brave: a typical high school student making choices, some good and some terrible. She goes through four different foster homes until she finds one where the parent is kind, caring and compassionate enough to understand the emotional hardships of having your life turned upside down, being in the foster system and harbouring so much anger at times. The story flows from one moment to the next, quick chapters with a lot of detail, a lot of dialogue and even some text messaging thrown in. Just Lucky is so relevant and current. Middle grade and young adult will have this story on heavy rotation in libraries and classrooms this fall.
I feel like I connected to this story so much because I was blown away by the strength in Lucky. I know my tweenage/teenage self would have connected to Lucky’s story as well. There is so much heart, so much strength and ultimately so much love. Just Lucky is an incredible #OwnVoices story.
Lucky lives with her maternal grandparents as her mother is in no position to take care of her. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember. Her best friend Ryan has always lived next door and she is happy. One day Lucky’s whole life is turned upside down and she is left to discover the meaning of home and family again.
There is so much bite to this story. Melanie Florence doesn’t shy away from including a lot of heavy emotional baggage in the story. She addresses homophobia, death, Alzheimer’s, the foster care system, racism, and addiction all while infusing the story with so much love, hope and strength. You might think, how can one book address all of these things in any meaningful way. Melanie Florence tackles these topics head on making room to explore and think about the effects on young people. There are some incredible moments in the story around bullying and microaggressions faced by people of colour and Indigenous people. Lucky has an honest and visceral reaction in these moments. I especially love Lucky’s imperfection. She is not a perfect character by any means but she is strong! She makes some terrible choices in challenging moments but there is not a single time where she was not strong, honest and brave: a typical high school student making choices, some good and some terrible. She goes through four different foster homes until she finds one where the parent is kind, caring and compassionate enough to understand the emotional hardships of having your life turned upside down, being in the foster system and harbouring so much anger at times. The story flows from one moment to the next, quick chapters with a lot of detail, a lot of dialogue and even some text messaging thrown in. Just Lucky is so relevant and current. Middle grade and young adult will have this story on heavy rotation in libraries and classrooms this fall.
I feel like I connected to this story so much because I was blown away by the strength in Lucky. I know my tweenage/teenage self would have connected to Lucky’s story as well. There is so much heart, so much strength and ultimately so much love. Just Lucky is an incredible #OwnVoices story.
November 2, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: This book is about a girl who was named Lucky by her mother because she had won a jackpot while she had her baby in her belly. So, Lucky lived with her grandparents since she was a little child. But at the age of fifteen, her grandpa died and it was discovered that her grandma had Alzheimer after a terrible accident. Due to this, she is moved from one foster home to another as accidents keep happening.
This book is about the quest to find a sense of familiarity when things begin to change drastically in your. It talks about several social issues and stigma we face in today's world, discussing homophobia, the general notion about how a religion is practiced, racism etc. It talks about how difficult it is to find a good foster home, homes which can be trusted.
I liked the way the story begin and it was purely a joy to see the relationship between Lucky, her grandparents and Ryan, her best friend.
By the time he left, we had made plans to explore my basement together the next day and had already decided we were going to be best friends forever.
Nothing had changed. But his parents weren’t like me. Or you. Or anyone normal you’ve ever met. His parents were religious.
“Don’t ‘Grandma’me!”Her eyes were blazing. “This…”she gestured at Ryan’s bruised face. “This is not all right. And it’s certainly not ‘Christian.’”
Her best friend was gay and as his family was 'religious', he was kicked out of their house. This is one mention of discrimination mentioned in the book. At her first foster home she had to deal with a pedophile and a family which felt like had come from the past. It was that bad. Apart from that, as Lucky was switching from house to house, she had to deal with particularly racist people who didn't know anything better. During such encounters, she had resorted to physical violence, which, truth be told, is particularly satisfying when you are dealing with turmoil in your life. But despite this, Lucky finally found a place she could call home after the rollercoster seeming life she had to live in a span of few weeks.
So yes, I really liked this book. Especially the ending which reflected how despite problems in your life, you'll always find people with whom you feel you belong.
I sat beside her son who still hadn’t said a word to me. “Hi,” I said, smiling at him. He flushed and looked away. “Bobby, say hi to Lucky,” Mary instructed him. “Hi,” he muttered. Okay then. Off to a great start. Clearly we were destined to be BFFs.
Synopsis: This book is about a girl who was named Lucky by her mother because she had won a jackpot while she had her baby in her belly. So, Lucky lived with her grandparents since she was a little child. But at the age of fifteen, her grandpa died and it was discovered that her grandma had Alzheimer after a terrible accident. Due to this, she is moved from one foster home to another as accidents keep happening.
This book is about the quest to find a sense of familiarity when things begin to change drastically in your. It talks about several social issues and stigma we face in today's world, discussing homophobia, the general notion about how a religion is practiced, racism etc. It talks about how difficult it is to find a good foster home, homes which can be trusted.
I liked the way the story begin and it was purely a joy to see the relationship between Lucky, her grandparents and Ryan, her best friend.
By the time he left, we had made plans to explore my basement together the next day and had already decided we were going to be best friends forever.
Nothing had changed. But his parents weren’t like me. Or you. Or anyone normal you’ve ever met. His parents were religious.
“Don’t ‘Grandma’me!”Her eyes were blazing. “This…”she gestured at Ryan’s bruised face. “This is not all right. And it’s certainly not ‘Christian.’”
Her best friend was gay and as his family was 'religious', he was kicked out of their house. This is one mention of discrimination mentioned in the book. At her first foster home she had to deal with a pedophile and a family which felt like had come from the past. It was that bad. Apart from that, as Lucky was switching from house to house, she had to deal with particularly racist people who didn't know anything better. During such encounters, she had resorted to physical violence, which, truth be told, is particularly satisfying when you are dealing with turmoil in your life. But despite this, Lucky finally found a place she could call home after the rollercoster seeming life she had to live in a span of few weeks.
So yes, I really liked this book. Especially the ending which reflected how despite problems in your life, you'll always find people with whom you feel you belong.
I sat beside her son who still hadn’t said a word to me. “Hi,” I said, smiling at him. He flushed and looked away. “Bobby, say hi to Lucky,” Mary instructed him. “Hi,” he muttered. Okay then. Off to a great start. Clearly we were destined to be BFFs.
October 19, 2020
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via The Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Another eARC that I received from Netgalley that I didn’t read on time - & one of the books that I really should have read at the earliest!
Just Lucky is all about a 15 year old girl - who loves her life living with her grandparents! She loves that they have always been there for her; and making sure that her selfish mother (& trust me she is the definition of selfish!) who left her with her grandparents isn’t missed.
She loves her life, with her beloved grandparents and her best friend - when it all falls to pieces when her grandfather passed away and she finally realised that her grandfather has been keeping the extent of her grandmother’s dementia from her.
When her grandmother almost burns their house down, and the authorities get involved, she has no choice but to actually become a part of the foster system.
Just Lucky is thus, an ode to Lucky’s experience in the foster system. It’s a look at how a human being can be considered less than one, when the world believes that they have nothing and are at its mercy.
But it is also a hopeful look at the world form the eyes of a resilient young woman who does nothing but move forward with a strength that is admirable.
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September 8, 2019
First off, this is super short. I feel it needs to be fleshed out so much more. The main story line is great, I really enjoyed it, and the author’s writing style. It was still a basic plot line though. This happens, then this, then this. The first half especially, the second have felt to have more merit.
I was a bit put off at the start, though, with how she portrays all the Christians displayed in the story. I know there are rotten apples in the world, but I just find it odd that any Lucky comes in contact with are of this aspect. And I find that most of the situations, involving Lucky, with the homes, with kids at school, every one was done to an extreme. I mean, I don’t have experience with foster homes, or foster kids, or anything like that…but I just feel like, some girl isn’t going to completely HATE you, from the very first second, just because you live with the guy she likes. Or, that she would get so completely angry, to jump into fist fighting, for some words someone says. That anyone would say such utterly rude and racist things and not get away with it (that’s only a couple examples). I just felt like it was all done to the max, to progress the story in the direction the author wanted.
Also, some things need to be more researched and backgrounded. A kid can’t just be homeschooled, usually. There is legal rules, per state, of what needs to be done for homeschooling kids. And kids have to be withdrawn…one wouldn’t be in public school one day, and then moved, and homeschooled the next day, without a process of paperwork. You do not need to wake a patient every hour, just because they have a concussion.
However, I did really enjoy the story, and the perspective it gives us with a child going through the foster care system. Some things need to be fluffed out, and that would make it longer, and then it’d be a really great book!
I received this ARC from NetGalley for free, in exchange for an honest review.
I was a bit put off at the start, though, with how she portrays all the Christians displayed in the story. I know there are rotten apples in the world, but I just find it odd that any Lucky comes in contact with are of this aspect. And I find that most of the situations, involving Lucky, with the homes, with kids at school, every one was done to an extreme. I mean, I don’t have experience with foster homes, or foster kids, or anything like that…but I just feel like, some girl isn’t going to completely HATE you, from the very first second, just because you live with the guy she likes. Or, that she would get so completely angry, to jump into fist fighting, for some words someone says. That anyone would say such utterly rude and racist things and not get away with it (that’s only a couple examples). I just felt like it was all done to the max, to progress the story in the direction the author wanted.
Also, some things need to be more researched and backgrounded. A kid can’t just be homeschooled, usually. There is legal rules, per state, of what needs to be done for homeschooling kids. And kids have to be withdrawn…one wouldn’t be in public school one day, and then moved, and homeschooled the next day, without a process of paperwork. You do not need to wake a patient every hour, just because they have a concussion.
However, I did really enjoy the story, and the perspective it gives us with a child going through the foster care system. Some things need to be fluffed out, and that would make it longer, and then it’d be a really great book!
I received this ARC from NetGalley for free, in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2019
My 30th read for the year is something fresh off the NetGalley approved shelf so let me say thank you to Melanie Florence herself and the publishers for letting me have this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Just Lucky by Melanie Florence is a coming-of-age novel that deals with the reality of losing someone you loved, and worst, losing your everything in your life. In this heart-wrenching story, our main character, Lucky Robinson, witnessed how her normal life unravelled in front of her after her grandfather died and was left to take care of her and her grandmother's life. The thing is, her grandmother is suffering from a then undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease hence the struggle to juggle her own life and taking care of her only family alive consume most of Lucky's time. But with the events continuously taking a bad turn in her life, will Lucky be able to find the control to maneuver the wheels and steer it into the right path?
Let's talk about what I loved about this book. First is how it never lacked in emotional content. Lucky's journey from being the beloved granddaughter to being a foster children who has been transferred from house to house due to unexpected circumstances will make you feel how unfortunate our main character is and how strong she is also for braving the storms and continuing truding the path amid all the hindrances.
Though this book has a some trigger warnings for rape and drug abuse, it was perfectly balanced with an overflowing dose of positivity that is evident in most characters introduced like Charlie, Jake, Ryan, and Lucy.
Lastly, I loved how it made me feel things, especially, with the importance of having a family to rely on to and friends to comfort you when you feel down. It just goes to show how true the infamous saying "No man is an island" is. Ciao.
Rating: 3.5stars
Just Lucky by Melanie Florence is a coming-of-age novel that deals with the reality of losing someone you loved, and worst, losing your everything in your life. In this heart-wrenching story, our main character, Lucky Robinson, witnessed how her normal life unravelled in front of her after her grandfather died and was left to take care of her and her grandmother's life. The thing is, her grandmother is suffering from a then undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease hence the struggle to juggle her own life and taking care of her only family alive consume most of Lucky's time. But with the events continuously taking a bad turn in her life, will Lucky be able to find the control to maneuver the wheels and steer it into the right path?
Let's talk about what I loved about this book. First is how it never lacked in emotional content. Lucky's journey from being the beloved granddaughter to being a foster children who has been transferred from house to house due to unexpected circumstances will make you feel how unfortunate our main character is and how strong she is also for braving the storms and continuing truding the path amid all the hindrances.
Though this book has a some trigger warnings for rape and drug abuse, it was perfectly balanced with an overflowing dose of positivity that is evident in most characters introduced like Charlie, Jake, Ryan, and Lucy.
Lastly, I loved how it made me feel things, especially, with the importance of having a family to rely on to and friends to comfort you when you feel down. It just goes to show how true the infamous saying "No man is an island" is. Ciao.
Rating: 3.5stars
May 19, 2023
Audiobook listen. Genre: young adult. This was a heart wrenching, yet quirky story of a teenage girl and foster care.
Plot: Lucky lived with her grandparents. Through a series of unfortunate events, Lucky has to go into foster care. She lives in a few homes first one very bad, second one good but Lucky can’t control her temper, third one good but Lucky’s impulsivity still is her own worst enemy.
Characters: Lucky is flawed but loveable, relatable as a teenager, full of depth, loves fiercely, loyal to friends and foster siblings
Grandma: love her, heartbreaking to see her deteriorating heath, loves Lucky
Grandpa: funny, loving, kind, love his wise sayings and the funny ones too
Other characters including the best friend, deadbeat mom, the foster mothers, fathers (good and bad), foster siblings (all good I their own way), teachers, the bully girl. This book was a quick read but the characters were memorable (okay maybe not all their names but still memorable).
Themes—what is family?
-loyalty, friendship,
-foster care double sided, some great people some not great people, can they be your family
-teen angst
- finding one’s identity as a teen
- parent/child relationship
Overall, I loved listening to this book. It was a quick listen but it packed a punch. Really made me ponder relationships with teens and the importance of good adult guidance whether from family or other important adults in a young persons life. This book gave me some insight into foster care. It can be sad but it can also give children the help they need during difficult family times. Foster care isn’t always good but it can be. Highly recommend this book.
Plot: Lucky lived with her grandparents. Through a series of unfortunate events, Lucky has to go into foster care. She lives in a few homes first one very bad, second one good but Lucky can’t control her temper, third one good but Lucky’s impulsivity still is her own worst enemy.
Characters: Lucky is flawed but loveable, relatable as a teenager, full of depth, loves fiercely, loyal to friends and foster siblings
Grandma: love her, heartbreaking to see her deteriorating heath, loves Lucky
Grandpa: funny, loving, kind, love his wise sayings and the funny ones too
Other characters including the best friend, deadbeat mom, the foster mothers, fathers (good and bad), foster siblings (all good I their own way), teachers, the bully girl. This book was a quick read but the characters were memorable (okay maybe not all their names but still memorable).
Themes—what is family?
-loyalty, friendship,
-foster care double sided, some great people some not great people, can they be your family
-teen angst
- finding one’s identity as a teen
- parent/child relationship
Overall, I loved listening to this book. It was a quick listen but it packed a punch. Really made me ponder relationships with teens and the importance of good adult guidance whether from family or other important adults in a young persons life. This book gave me some insight into foster care. It can be sad but it can also give children the help they need during difficult family times. Foster care isn’t always good but it can be. Highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2019
Lucky lives with her grandparents as her horrible mother abandons her. Things have become bad when her grandpa has passed away and her grandma has started forgetting things. One day her grandma nearly burns down the house when Lucky returns. Now that the hospital has taken away her grandma, Lucky a minor girl goes into foster care.
I like Lucky. Eventhough she's been put in a terrible position, she somehow handles everything. There's no such thing as a perfect family and a foster family is nothing different. When Lucky thinks she likes a foster family(not the 1st one) and tries to think herself in the family, something bad happens which results in Lucky being moved from one foster family to another family. She isn't perfect but you want her to be happy, to be with a family she deserves.
So many cute side characters throughout the book. Be it Lucky's awesome grandparents, her bff Ryan, foster care children Jake & Charlie, the cutest Lucy, introvert Izzy, Mia and the lovely foster mom, Janine. I just love how the author describes the comfort, the family & friends can give to a person.
And the love for books & comics are lovable. I love characters who are readers. So +1 for Lucky(and the author).
I hate Lucky's mom for being so terrible & Robert for being a shitty person.
This book has trigger warnings - sexual abuse, racism, bullies. When being bullied, Lucky gets angry and acts violent. Just mentioning this for the young readers planning to read this book.
I enjoyed the story but the story appeared to be simple. I found it very short.
I like Lucky. Eventhough she's been put in a terrible position, she somehow handles everything. There's no such thing as a perfect family and a foster family is nothing different. When Lucky thinks she likes a foster family(not the 1st one) and tries to think herself in the family, something bad happens which results in Lucky being moved from one foster family to another family. She isn't perfect but you want her to be happy, to be with a family she deserves.
So many cute side characters throughout the book. Be it Lucky's awesome grandparents, her bff Ryan, foster care children Jake & Charlie, the cutest Lucy, introvert Izzy, Mia and the lovely foster mom, Janine. I just love how the author describes the comfort, the family & friends can give to a person.
And the love for books & comics are lovable. I love characters who are readers. So +1 for Lucky(and the author).
I hate Lucky's mom for being so terrible & Robert for being a shitty person.
This book has trigger warnings - sexual abuse, racism, bullies. When being bullied, Lucky gets angry and acts violent. Just mentioning this for the young readers planning to read this book.
I enjoyed the story but the story appeared to be simple. I found it very short.
July 17, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I’m delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Lucky seems to have a perfect life at the start of the book. We hear straightaway that her mother gave her up when she was small but she only touches on that before showing us just how much her grandparents love and care for her. The detail about her life with them only hammers home just how bad it is in the generic ‘homes’ that she’s placed in over the next few weeks.
The book was well written and kept me hoping the whole way through. I just wanted Lucky to catch a break and to be placed with someone who understood what she was going through. Janine played it absolutely the right way to gain Lucky’s trust. I thought it was perfect how she was the only foster mother to offer to bring Lucky to see her grandma and then to go in and MEET her grandma to reassure her that Lucky was being cared for.
I would definitely recommend this as a quick and easy read and, although it would be classed as young adult, I’m 40+ and thoroughly enjoyed it ☺️ so would recommend for any age.
Lucky seems to have a perfect life at the start of the book. We hear straightaway that her mother gave her up when she was small but she only touches on that before showing us just how much her grandparents love and care for her. The detail about her life with them only hammers home just how bad it is in the generic ‘homes’ that she’s placed in over the next few weeks.
The book was well written and kept me hoping the whole way through. I just wanted Lucky to catch a break and to be placed with someone who understood what she was going through. Janine played it absolutely the right way to gain Lucky’s trust. I thought it was perfect how she was the only foster mother to offer to bring Lucky to see her grandma and then to go in and MEET her grandma to reassure her that Lucky was being cared for.
I would definitely recommend this as a quick and easy read and, although it would be classed as young adult, I’m 40+ and thoroughly enjoyed it ☺️ so would recommend for any age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
I was thrilled to win an ARC of Just Lucky from Kick-Butt KidLit and the publisher, Second Story Press. I greatly enjoy Melanie Florence's beautiful and strong picture books, Stolen Words and Missing Nimama and had the pleasure of listening to her at a conference a few years ago (although I cried through the whole keynote!). I was excited to read her new YA novel and it did not disappoint.
Just Lucky tells the story of Lucky, who is raised by her loving grandparents when her mother can't care for her, and what happens to the family as Lucky knows it when her grandfather suddenly passes away and Lucky can't hide her grandmother's growing dementia. Lucky finds herself bouncing around in the foster care system, where she finds a mix of care, love, and comfort with discomfort, abuse, and racism.
A strong coming-of-age novel to celebrate unconventional families, I highly recommend Just Lucky for libraries serving students in grade 8+.
Just Lucky tells the story of Lucky, who is raised by her loving grandparents when her mother can't care for her, and what happens to the family as Lucky knows it when her grandfather suddenly passes away and Lucky can't hide her grandmother's growing dementia. Lucky finds herself bouncing around in the foster care system, where she finds a mix of care, love, and comfort with discomfort, abuse, and racism.
A strong coming-of-age novel to celebrate unconventional families, I highly recommend Just Lucky for libraries serving students in grade 8+.
May 28, 2019
When Lucky was a baby, her mother abandoned her at her grandparents house for a life of drugs and gambling. Lucky has lived with her grandparents ever since. Her best friend lives next door and they share the love for comic books. Until a bad thing happens.
When Lucky’s grandpa dies, her grandma starts forgetting things, like turning off the shower. One night she forgets to turn off the stove and sets the kitchen on fire.
Lucky’s world is turned upside down when her grandmother gets sent to a home and Lucky is put in the foster system.
This book follows Lucky on her ups and downs of being in the system and navigating how to survive. How to keep being herself in a world where she isn’t.
This book made me happy, sad, angry, and disappointed in a good way. It made me understand a little bit more about what it’s like being thrown into the system at 15 and having your life changed completely
Thank you to Netgalley and Second Story Press for the e-arc.
When Lucky’s grandpa dies, her grandma starts forgetting things, like turning off the shower. One night she forgets to turn off the stove and sets the kitchen on fire.
Lucky’s world is turned upside down when her grandmother gets sent to a home and Lucky is put in the foster system.
This book follows Lucky on her ups and downs of being in the system and navigating how to survive. How to keep being herself in a world where she isn’t.
This book made me happy, sad, angry, and disappointed in a good way. It made me understand a little bit more about what it’s like being thrown into the system at 15 and having your life changed completely
Thank you to Netgalley and Second Story Press for the e-arc.
May 4, 2020
Feels like a HiLo book. Short chapters and dialogue heavy narration that jumps from one big issue to another with brief overviews of the emotional impact. Sometimes the lack of follow up impedes clarity of the story, or makes characters seem emotionally stunted. On the other end of the spectrum, characters usually have one clearly defined behavior in the story, whether supportive or antagonistic, and the antagonists are all immediately preoccupied with slut shaming a fifteen year old girl.
The subject matter, including some severely messed up foster care placements, make it too mature for younger readers, and the simplicity of the narration would make stronger YA readers want to pick books that delve deeper into similar issues with more nuance and skill. It is quickly paced and punchy, almost like a highlight reel, so would probably work best for those who want issue laden books and accessible narration.
The subject matter, including some severely messed up foster care placements, make it too mature for younger readers, and the simplicity of the narration would make stronger YA readers want to pick books that delve deeper into similar issues with more nuance and skill. It is quickly paced and punchy, almost like a highlight reel, so would probably work best for those who want issue laden books and accessible narration.
May 10, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you net galley
This book was a wonderful tale of how someone’s life can
change within a very short time.
Given her name, you would think that Lucky would have a charmed life, but who really has a charmed life? During Lucky’s first foster home, I wanted to skip through the chapters. I saw the events coming a mile away. After all, those are the horror stories you hear about when it comes to foster homes. But with the others, you saw hope. You saw her defending herself, standing up for herself, and not letting herself feel sorry for herself. You see her standing strong and doing what she needed to do. And at the end, you smile, because you know that Lucky is going to be just fine.
I wish the story had been a bit more complicated and not quite as predictable. Over all, it was an engaging and quick read.
This book was a wonderful tale of how someone’s life can
change within a very short time.
Given her name, you would think that Lucky would have a charmed life, but who really has a charmed life? During Lucky’s first foster home, I wanted to skip through the chapters. I saw the events coming a mile away. After all, those are the horror stories you hear about when it comes to foster homes. But with the others, you saw hope. You saw her defending herself, standing up for herself, and not letting herself feel sorry for herself. You see her standing strong and doing what she needed to do. And at the end, you smile, because you know that Lucky is going to be just fine.
I wish the story had been a bit more complicated and not quite as predictable. Over all, it was an engaging and quick read.
June 3, 2019
Middle grade novel about an American Indian girl who ends up in the foster care system when her grandfather passes away, due to to the fact that her grandma has alzheimers. While the premise of this story is good, the execution left a lot lacking. This feels like an outline rather than a complete novel, and it seemed like the author was just going down the diversity list and checking off items to include. An example is that Lucky's best friend is gay, but that factor barely plays into the story at all. Same thing with Lucky being native American. The author mentions that she is, but then really never talks about it all all with the exception of mentioning a food item one time. This could have been expanded on and overall, better character development would have added a lot to this story. Younger kids might enjoy this, but it won't do much for an adult audience.
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