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These Unlucky Stars
From the highly acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer comes a sweet and heartfelt story of a girl's unexpected friendship that changes her forever, perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt.Ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has felt like the odd one out in her family. Her dad and brother are practical and organized--they just don't understand the way she thinks, in lines and color. Everywhere she turns, she feels like an outsider, even at school, so she's been reluctant to get close to anyone.When a "Ding-Dong-Ditch" attempt goes wrong, Annie finds herself stuck making amends with Gloria, the eccentric elderly lady she disturbed. As she begins to connect with Gloria and her weird little dog, it becomes clear that Gloria won't be able to live on her own for much longer. But it's this brief and important friendship that gives Annie the confidence to let people in, and see how rich life can be when you decide to make your own luck and chart your own path to happiness. In this heartwarming novel, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn shows us that even the most unexpected friendship has the power to change us forever.Acclaim for Caterpillar SummerAn Indies Introduce PickA Texas Bluebonnet SelectionA Parents Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Year
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2021
15 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 23, 2021
Miss Annie P. Logan feels like the oddball of the family. Her dad and older brother Ray are the oatmeal-everyday types. The "do the right thing" without thinking types. Without her mom, Annie feels the third corner of a triangle that should be a square. She misses her mom and is convinced that she was born under an unlucky star. It is hard to be twelve without a mother. The school tries to step in and give assistance. Annie is humiliated and claims she already has a mentor named Jackie Zpudzz, inspired to make up the name by the eccentric artwork in the principal's office. Little does Annie know that she will soon meet a mentor -- one that will literally "fall into place." I really enjoyed watching Annie's relationship grow with Gloria. It is always a revelation to learn about the past adventures of our elderly friends. Our culture is too quick to judge on current appearance and we forget to learn their stories. It is also refreshing to watch the little community of Oak Branch work together for their first Rosy Maple Moth Festival. Maybe Annie is wrong about those stars?
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2020
I was able to read an advanced copy of this beautiful story—lucky me! And it's another gem from an author I love.
There are so many things that pulled me into THESE UNLUCKY STARS—feisty senior citizen Gloria, adorably-ugly Otto the dog, Annie’s strained relationships with her brother and dad.
But what I loved most is what makes a Gillian McDunn story special—at its core is a very real girl with flaws and insecurities and blind spots who learns to be a better version of herself with the help of her community. 12-year-old me needed to see imperfect heroines like Annie!
Also it’s so funny! JACKIE ZPUDZZ forever!
There are so many things that pulled me into THESE UNLUCKY STARS—feisty senior citizen Gloria, adorably-ugly Otto the dog, Annie’s strained relationships with her brother and dad.
But what I loved most is what makes a Gillian McDunn story special—at its core is a very real girl with flaws and insecurities and blind spots who learns to be a better version of herself with the help of her community. 12-year-old me needed to see imperfect heroines like Annie!
Also it’s so funny! JACKIE ZPUDZZ forever!
May 25, 2023
An actual 4.5 stars
What an delightful book. Annie is a such a wonderful character and I just loved reading about her different from her brother and father in every way and wants her mom back but she left her family and Annie behind. Another perfect character is Gloria, the cracky old woman that Annie volunteer to help after Gloria fell, which was Annie fault. The 2 together will have you want more from them. I love when there is a family dynamic in a story. Annie father dating again, her perfect brother, and there is unlucky Annie. A book I will definitely want for my Middle Grade collection. Highly recommend for the young and the young at heart!!
What an delightful book. Annie is a such a wonderful character and I just loved reading about her different from her brother and father in every way and wants her mom back but she left her family and Annie behind. Another perfect character is Gloria, the cracky old woman that Annie volunteer to help after Gloria fell, which was Annie fault. The 2 together will have you want more from them. I love when there is a family dynamic in a story. Annie father dating again, her perfect brother, and there is unlucky Annie. A book I will definitely want for my Middle Grade collection. Highly recommend for the young and the young at heart!!
February 18, 2021
These Unlucky Stars is a brilliant, heartwarming coming-of-age story with a strong, memorable female protagonist. Set in an idyllic small town, this book has strong themes of community, family, friendship, and identity. It also features a friendship between an elderly woman and young girl -- both of whom you can't help but root for. If you're looking for a feel-good, funny middle-grade book that tackles real life issues, you will enjoy this book.
Read my full review on MGBookVillage.
Thanks to Bloomsbury for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on MGBookVillage.
Thanks to Bloomsbury for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I loved the author's two previous books, Caterpillar Summer and The Queen Bee and Me, so I was thrilled to get an eARC of this book to review. Once again, she has written a book with an endearing female main character dealing with the challenges of being a young teen, and we are witnesses to her growth in confidence and sense of self.
Annie lives with her dad and older brother, Ray, and feels like the odd one out. Ray and her dad are similar in many ways, while Annie has always been a little bit unlucky and feels like she just can't be the type of kid to make her dad proud. She wishes her mom would come back from wherever she's gone, and then maybe she wouldn't feel like such an outlier in her own family. When a practical joke doesn't go as planned, Annie takes advantage of a misunderstanding to finally make her dad proud. Annie knows the truth about what happened, though, and her guilt is really what compels her to help an elderly woman named Gloria after an unfortunate accident. As Annie helps Gloria while she is recovering, she also confronts her fear of dogs by being around Otto, Gloria's loyal companion. As Annie starts to allow herself to connect with others, she realizes that maybe she's not so unlucky after all.
What I loved most about this story was watching Annie connect with people around her. Person by person, Annie starts to care about others rather than solely focusing on her own feelings of hurt and betrayal. She develops new friendships with Gloria and Faith, grows attached to Otto, helps her community prepare their floats for the town's parade, and is finally able to find a way to reconnect to her father and brother. Each relationship that Annie develops helps her to grow in a new way, and challenges the perceptions she had of herself and others. I also enjoyed the small town feel of the story, and everyone coming together to participate in the town's Rosy Maple Moth Festival.
I look forward to recommending this book to readers when it comes out in March 2021.
I loved the author's two previous books, Caterpillar Summer and The Queen Bee and Me, so I was thrilled to get an eARC of this book to review. Once again, she has written a book with an endearing female main character dealing with the challenges of being a young teen, and we are witnesses to her growth in confidence and sense of self.
Annie lives with her dad and older brother, Ray, and feels like the odd one out. Ray and her dad are similar in many ways, while Annie has always been a little bit unlucky and feels like she just can't be the type of kid to make her dad proud. She wishes her mom would come back from wherever she's gone, and then maybe she wouldn't feel like such an outlier in her own family. When a practical joke doesn't go as planned, Annie takes advantage of a misunderstanding to finally make her dad proud. Annie knows the truth about what happened, though, and her guilt is really what compels her to help an elderly woman named Gloria after an unfortunate accident. As Annie helps Gloria while she is recovering, she also confronts her fear of dogs by being around Otto, Gloria's loyal companion. As Annie starts to allow herself to connect with others, she realizes that maybe she's not so unlucky after all.
What I loved most about this story was watching Annie connect with people around her. Person by person, Annie starts to care about others rather than solely focusing on her own feelings of hurt and betrayal. She develops new friendships with Gloria and Faith, grows attached to Otto, helps her community prepare their floats for the town's parade, and is finally able to find a way to reconnect to her father and brother. Each relationship that Annie develops helps her to grow in a new way, and challenges the perceptions she had of herself and others. I also enjoyed the small town feel of the story, and everyone coming together to participate in the town's Rosy Maple Moth Festival.
I look forward to recommending this book to readers when it comes out in March 2021.
June 29, 2021
I've had the privilege of reading all three middle grade books that Gillian McDunn has (so far) published, and loved them all. But I think it's possible that THESE UNLUCKY STARS is my favorite. (And that's a high bar to clear!)
Like Gillian's other books, THESE UNLUCKY STARS is a a story about family and friendship, this time focused on Annie, whose mother no longer lives with their family. Annie is struggling to understand herself--and translate the person she is becoming to those around her (crucial themes in middle grade). In striking up a connection with Gloria, an elderly member of her community (and Gloria's dog!), Annie finds the confidence to be and express herself. Motifs of fate/luck and the mirage of perfection further elevate this book, yet another wonderful entry in Gillian's pitch-perfect catalogue.
Like Gillian's other books, THESE UNLUCKY STARS is a a story about family and friendship, this time focused on Annie, whose mother no longer lives with their family. Annie is struggling to understand herself--and translate the person she is becoming to those around her (crucial themes in middle grade). In striking up a connection with Gloria, an elderly member of her community (and Gloria's dog!), Annie finds the confidence to be and express herself. Motifs of fate/luck and the mirage of perfection further elevate this book, yet another wonderful entry in Gillian's pitch-perfect catalogue.
November 11, 2020
These Unlucky Stars has a whole lot to love about it! Our main character lives with her brother Ray and her dad in a small town that has the charm of a hallmark movie town, with restaurants and shops that are run by the town citizens. Because some of the only memories that Annie has of her mother was her mom telling her that she is unlucky, Annie focuses so much of the bad luck that follow her, everything she touches, and everyone she encounters. When a prank gone wrong lands her with an opportunity to get to know Gloria, an older neighbor who has lived an interesting life, Annie gets to learn so much more about life, her history and herself. The story is heartwarming, the characters are lovable, the family dynamics are relatable, and the messages are meaningful.
November 6, 2020
Gillian McDunn's upcoming middle grade novel (Bloomsbury, March 2021) explores a question that every kid wonders about: Are the events in my life lucky or unlucky? The answer, as the main character Annie comes to learn (no spoilers), is that it all depends on your perspective. And isn't that an important and universal message for everyone?
THESE UNLUCKY STARS by Gillian McDunn fully deserves its spot alongside CATERPILLAR SUMMER and THE QUEEN BEE AND ME on bookshelves. McDunn set a a high bar with her first two amazing novels, and this beautifully-written and heartwarming story totally delivers!
(I received an advance uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.)
THESE UNLUCKY STARS by Gillian McDunn fully deserves its spot alongside CATERPILLAR SUMMER and THE QUEEN BEE AND ME on bookshelves. McDunn set a a high bar with her first two amazing novels, and this beautifully-written and heartwarming story totally delivers!
(I received an advance uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.)
May 24, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
This was one of my favorite middle grade reads of the year! Annie is so dimensional and realistic and her friendship with Gloria (old lady) grows so naturally, you almost miss it.
This is one of the few books where the setting felt tangible- the food, the dialect, Annie's love of "her mountains". I adored everything about it.
I mean the book made me cry - I have to love a book that made me feel so deeply!
This was one of my favorite middle grade reads of the year! Annie is so dimensional and realistic and her friendship with Gloria (old lady) grows so naturally, you almost miss it.
This is one of the few books where the setting felt tangible- the food, the dialect, Annie's love of "her mountains". I adored everything about it.
I mean the book made me cry - I have to love a book that made me feel so deeply!
October 15, 2020
Link to my book talk: https://youtu.be/lWWS0e0M0BA
Annie is convinced that she's the unlucky one. Ever since her mother left, she feels like she's the outsider at home and at school. She develops an unexpected friendship with Gloria, an elderly neighbor. The author did a good job structuring the book. The story is written from the perspective of Annie and I enjoy following her journey and feelings. This is one of the best books I read about relationships, family, caring, and loving.
Annie is convinced that she's the unlucky one. Ever since her mother left, she feels like she's the outsider at home and at school. She develops an unexpected friendship with Gloria, an elderly neighbor. The author did a good job structuring the book. The story is written from the perspective of Annie and I enjoy following her journey and feelings. This is one of the best books I read about relationships, family, caring, and loving.
June 1, 2021
Annie feels like she has no control over her life because she was born under an unlucky star. So it makes sense that when she dares to play ding dong ditch on an elderly lady's door, Annie causes the woman to fall and break her arm. It figures that she'll have to help take care of her throughout the summer, when all she really wants is to help design the float for the family store in the town festival.
April 20, 2022
3.5 stars. Growing up is hard. It is even more miserable when you feel abandoned and misunderstood. Annie meets her match in a grumpy neighborhood lady and begins to understand the complexities involving her family and friends.
October 6, 2022
4.5 stars- I loved this sweet book so much. The audio was fantastic.
February 28, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book a lot
October 26, 2020
This is a great story that is beautifully written. The characters are endearing in the perfectly imperfect ways and I long to be a part of their community. My 11 year old daughter loves the book too. She couldn't put it down and has been talking about the story and relating to the characters for weeks.
March 28, 2021
The glue that holds this novel together is its strong sense of place. I especially loved the restaurant that was a fusion of two competing barbecue styles. At it's most literal, it made me hungry for barbecue! But it also thematically serves to show Annie's growth and how she learns to compromise without being untrue to herself.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...
November 1, 2020
I really wanted to love this book. I loved the title, loved the cover artwork, and loved the idea behind it, however, I thought much of the book fell flat.
The characters were not well- rounded, and seemed to be very plain. The writing left a bit to be desired as well. I kept hoping for the book to get better, and to draw me in more to where I actually cared about the characters but it never happened. The book told me a story rather than showed me a story.
The whole thing with luck? The way that it was written was frustrating. The idea was that Annie was convinced that she was unlucky - born under unlucky stars. Her mother had left the family and she didn't see that this affected others besides herself. She also felt that things would always go wrong because of her luck, not because of her own choices, or because sometimes we don't always get what we want.
I wanted to love her relationship with Gloria, however, it seemed forced. One day she's there and they are arguing, the next they seem to be best friends. How did that happen? Gloria also seemed to begin every sentence with "pish" which absolutely drove me nuts.
The book seemed to draw on longer than it needed to as well and I had to force myself to finish.
I will try something else by this author in the future to see if maybe this is just a book that didn't agree with me.
- Read as an ARC on NetGalley
The characters were not well- rounded, and seemed to be very plain. The writing left a bit to be desired as well. I kept hoping for the book to get better, and to draw me in more to where I actually cared about the characters but it never happened. The book told me a story rather than showed me a story.
The whole thing with luck? The way that it was written was frustrating. The idea was that Annie was convinced that she was unlucky - born under unlucky stars. Her mother had left the family and she didn't see that this affected others besides herself. She also felt that things would always go wrong because of her luck, not because of her own choices, or because sometimes we don't always get what we want.
I wanted to love her relationship with Gloria, however, it seemed forced. One day she's there and they are arguing, the next they seem to be best friends. How did that happen? Gloria also seemed to begin every sentence with "pish" which absolutely drove me nuts.
The book seemed to draw on longer than it needed to as well and I had to force myself to finish.
I will try something else by this author in the future to see if maybe this is just a book that didn't agree with me.
- Read as an ARC on NetGalley
October 5, 2020
This glorious story by Gillian McDunn made cry AND laugh! I loved the main character, Annie, who is convinced she was born under an unlucky star, which is what her mother told her before she left their family. Annie feels like the odd one out at home and at school, and is struggling to be known and, indeed, to know herself. But then she's forced into caring for an elderly woman and her bizarre and rather scary dog. Through this friendship, Annie begins to understand that perhaps it's not the stars that cause misfortune, and that life and love are worth risking pain. Set in the mountains of North Carolina, this book touched me and made me think. Another stunning story from a supremely talented author.
December 22, 2020
Stunned in the best way by this ARC of THESE UNLUCKY STARS
I rooted for Annie’s free spirit searching for her place in her family-her world-& the unexpected ways her “luck” changes her life! This book feels like a masterclass in MG Voice Maybe her best one yet!
I rooted for Annie’s free spirit searching for her place in her family-her world-& the unexpected ways her “luck” changes her life! This book feels like a masterclass in MG Voice Maybe her best one yet!
April 17, 2021
This appealing story about 11-year-old Annie P. Logan is a 3.5 for me, and except for some of the over-the-top moments near the end, I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know Annie. Annie lives in a small North Carolina town where her father runs a hardware store. Her older brother Ray is an excellent student and never seems to make a misstep while Annie makes mistakes all the time. Partly because of things her mother told her, Annie is convinced that she is unlucky and lives under a dark cloud all the time. She isn't able to see that luck is sometimes what you make happen and that there are coincidences in life. She still holds hope that someday her mother will come back even though many years have passed since she left the family behind. Naturally, it's hard for Annie to trust anyone, and when a group of older kids are hanging around the park, she accepts the challenge to ring the doorbell of a nearby resident and then leave. But before she can make her escape, she hears the homeowner fall and hurt herself. Feeling guilty for her actions, Annie enters the house and meets Gloria Crumb and her loyal but ugly dog Otto. To atone for her mistake without ever admitting to Gloria that she was the culprit, Annie begins visiting the elderly woman several times, helping sort through her many boxes of stuff and making tea. Slowly, a friendship forms, and Annie even bonds with Otto. Gloria is brusque and not particularly sentimental, but as Annie looks through her possessions, she tells stories about her earlier life and experiences. It's clear that Gloria is a risk to herself since she forgets things and almost causes a fire while using the stove, but it's also clear that Gloria doesn't want to abandon Otto. By helping Gloria, Annie opens herself up to friendship and love from others, especially from Faith, an older girl staying in town with her aunt due to her mother's illness. There are additional elements to the story, including Annie's artistic ambitions and sketches that are included in the book, and the town's preparation for a festival and time spent creating floats and displays. The ending is satisfying if overly dramatic and to be expected, but middle grade readers will be pleased. And Annie finally gets some answers about why her mother might have left so that she can stop blaming herself. As I finished this book, I couldn't help thinking about how some secrets cause so much worry and should not be kept. How much easier Annie's life might have been if her father had been able to be honest with her about her mother's mental health issues! I don't know about you, but the author's description of this friendly town with its yummy restaurants and mountains made me want to relocate.
May 22, 2021
These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn is a sweet Middle Grade novel that reminds me, in parts, of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
Annie’s mother left when she was younger. With her went spaghetti dinners in the bathtub & the sole person Annie feels ever understood her. After all, Annie’s mother is the only one who was able to explain why Annie is so unlucky.
Annie’s dad runs the family hardware store with her brother & Annie feels the burn of exclusion from the close relationship they share. Her isolation is further extended by a difficulty in making friends, so she pours her energies into her artwork instead. Considering how important creativity & art are to Annie, she is especially upset when her father shoots down her attempts to help plan their float for the town festival.
When urged to play a round of ‘Ding-Dong-Ditch’ by her brother’s friend, Annie is keen to impress so, despite her fears, she sets out to complete the task. However, nothing goes to plan & Annie instead needs to call her Dad to help rescue Gloria, the owner of the house she went to. To make matters worse, Annie’s guilt leaves her stuck looking after the cantankerous old woman all summer. Annie fears dogs after being left scarred from a childhood dog bite, so it doesn’t help that she is also required to look after Gloria’s dog.
Despite first impressions, Annie discovers that Gloria has more to her than meets the eye. The friendship they forge ends up being a key step in Annie learning some very important lessons.
Gillian McDunn has brought to life a character that is difficult not to identify with in some way. Annie’s journey contains lessons about loss, self-growth, communication, relationships, empathy, change, & more. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend purchasing this book for yourself or as a gift for someone you care about. Releasing the 5th of August 2021, These Unlucky stars is now available for preorder.
4/5 🌟
Thank you Netgalley & Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the opportunity to read These Unlucky Stars in exchange for my impartial review. All opinions shared above are my own.
Annie’s mother left when she was younger. With her went spaghetti dinners in the bathtub & the sole person Annie feels ever understood her. After all, Annie’s mother is the only one who was able to explain why Annie is so unlucky.
Annie’s dad runs the family hardware store with her brother & Annie feels the burn of exclusion from the close relationship they share. Her isolation is further extended by a difficulty in making friends, so she pours her energies into her artwork instead. Considering how important creativity & art are to Annie, she is especially upset when her father shoots down her attempts to help plan their float for the town festival.
When urged to play a round of ‘Ding-Dong-Ditch’ by her brother’s friend, Annie is keen to impress so, despite her fears, she sets out to complete the task. However, nothing goes to plan & Annie instead needs to call her Dad to help rescue Gloria, the owner of the house she went to. To make matters worse, Annie’s guilt leaves her stuck looking after the cantankerous old woman all summer. Annie fears dogs after being left scarred from a childhood dog bite, so it doesn’t help that she is also required to look after Gloria’s dog.
Despite first impressions, Annie discovers that Gloria has more to her than meets the eye. The friendship they forge ends up being a key step in Annie learning some very important lessons.
Gillian McDunn has brought to life a character that is difficult not to identify with in some way. Annie’s journey contains lessons about loss, self-growth, communication, relationships, empathy, change, & more. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend purchasing this book for yourself or as a gift for someone you care about. Releasing the 5th of August 2021, These Unlucky stars is now available for preorder.
4/5 🌟
Thank you Netgalley & Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the opportunity to read These Unlucky Stars in exchange for my impartial review. All opinions shared above are my own.
October 26, 2020
Gillian McDunn’s These Unlucky Stars is a beautiful look at family, community, and the way we are sometimes the unreliable narrator of our own story.
Sixth-almost-Seventh grader Annie Logan was told she was born under an unlucky star. Her window breaks, her books fall into a mud puddle, and she doesn’t have a single friend. Her favorite place in the world is a patch of her roof just outside her window, where she can see the mountains and feel the breezes they send her. When a ding-dong-ditch attempt goes south, Annie finds her fate intertwined with the person she was going to prank: an elderly woman named Gloria and her questionable dog.
As the summer commences and Annie finds herself making friends in unexpected places, she may just find the community she’s been searching for was there all along, if only she can learn to see it.
This middle grade novel tackles several big themes kids can relate to, from struggling to make friends to sibling rivalry to being abandoned by a parent. Each difficult topic is handled gracefully and tenderly. The reader gets to be inside Annie’s head, seeing her experiences through her eyes. As Annie learns to look outward more and open herself up, she may find that the only unlucky star in her sky is the one she painted there.
This tender story also tackles the hardship of loving an elderly person, including if that person struggles with memory issues and medical issues. Annie has tough decisions to make as her elderly friend asks Annie to withhold potentially dangerous information from a caregiver.
This novel was beautifully written with spectacular descriptions, well developed characters, and a well placed plot. As Annie learns self-awareness, it encourages others to look at her differently as well. Anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out will be able to find themselves in this sweet story.
These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn will be released March 2, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for the advanced copy!
Sixth-almost-Seventh grader Annie Logan was told she was born under an unlucky star. Her window breaks, her books fall into a mud puddle, and she doesn’t have a single friend. Her favorite place in the world is a patch of her roof just outside her window, where she can see the mountains and feel the breezes they send her. When a ding-dong-ditch attempt goes south, Annie finds her fate intertwined with the person she was going to prank: an elderly woman named Gloria and her questionable dog.
As the summer commences and Annie finds herself making friends in unexpected places, she may just find the community she’s been searching for was there all along, if only she can learn to see it.
This middle grade novel tackles several big themes kids can relate to, from struggling to make friends to sibling rivalry to being abandoned by a parent. Each difficult topic is handled gracefully and tenderly. The reader gets to be inside Annie’s head, seeing her experiences through her eyes. As Annie learns to look outward more and open herself up, she may find that the only unlucky star in her sky is the one she painted there.
This tender story also tackles the hardship of loving an elderly person, including if that person struggles with memory issues and medical issues. Annie has tough decisions to make as her elderly friend asks Annie to withhold potentially dangerous information from a caregiver.
This novel was beautifully written with spectacular descriptions, well developed characters, and a well placed plot. As Annie learns self-awareness, it encourages others to look at her differently as well. Anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out will be able to find themselves in this sweet story.
These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn will be released March 2, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for the advanced copy!
April 21, 2021
I read this awesome book as part of the #BitAboutBooks Spring Reading Challenge; a photo of a book outdoors. Annie Logan is a 6th grader who has just begun her summer vacation. Living in a small town with her father and brother, Annie is prickly, doesn't have many friends and has many questions and grief about her mother's leaving the family a few years ago---questions her father refuses to discuss. Her father and brother work at the family hardware store and have been losing business due to a larger chain store the next town over. Watching her brother play basketball; Annie is dared to ring a doorbell and run away but since Annie has been born under unlucky stars; calamity ensues. The old woman in the house falls with Annie running for help. Gillian McDunn has such a relatable protagonist in Annie Logan. Annie shuts down, gets angry and/or irritating when things go wrong but it is through a chance counseling session in school with teachers concerned that she has no friends since her mom left, that Annie makes her first real friend, Faith, using suggestions her teachers gave her. When the town decides to have a festival, Annie uses her artistic talents on many of the floats, while spending her days with Grumpy Gloria and her dog Otto as she recuperates from her fall, a broken arm. As Annie struggles with Gloria's cranky personality she ends up helping Gloria and herself as they forge a friendship that compliments their personalities. I loved everything about Gloria's dog, Otto. Even though Annie was bitten as a child she becomes enamored with Otto and how he cares for Gloria (and Gloria cares for Otto). I just loved turning the pages of this book as Annie and her unlucky stars begin to grow, feel, and journey toward new relationships with family, friends, and community. Highly recommended for middle grade students!
October 26, 2020
Gillian McDunn’s These Unlucky Stars is a beautiful look at family, community, and the way we are sometimes the unreliable narrator of our own story.
Sixth-almost-Seventh grader Annie Logan was told she was born under an unlucky star. Her window breaks, her books fall into a mud puddle, and she doesn’t have a single friend. Her favorite place in the world is a patch of her roof just outside her window, where she can see the mountains and feel the breezes they send her. When a ding-dong-ditch attempt goes south, Annie finds her fate intertwined with the person she was going to prank: an elderly woman named Gloria and her questionable dog.
As the summer commences and Annie finds herself making friends in unexpected places, she may just find the community she’s been searching for was there all along, if only she can learn to see it.
This middle grade novel tackles several big themes kids can relate to, from struggling to make friends to sibling rivalry to being abandoned by a parent. Each difficult topic is handled gracefully and tenderly. The reader gets to be inside Annie’s head, seeing her experiences through her eyes. As Annie learns to look outward more and open herself up, she may find that the only unlucky star in her sky is the one she painted there.
This tender story also tackles the hardship of loving an elderly person, including if that person struggles with memory issues and medical issues. Annie has tough decisions to make as her elderly friend asks Annie to withhold potentially dangerous information from a caregiver.
This novel was beautifully written with spectacular descriptions, well developed characters, and a well placed plot. As Annie learns self-awareness, it encourages others to look at her differently as well. Anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out will be able to find themselves in this sweet story.
These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn will be released March 2, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for the advanced copy!
Sixth-almost-Seventh grader Annie Logan was told she was born under an unlucky star. Her window breaks, her books fall into a mud puddle, and she doesn’t have a single friend. Her favorite place in the world is a patch of her roof just outside her window, where she can see the mountains and feel the breezes they send her. When a ding-dong-ditch attempt goes south, Annie finds her fate intertwined with the person she was going to prank: an elderly woman named Gloria and her questionable dog.
As the summer commences and Annie finds herself making friends in unexpected places, she may just find the community she’s been searching for was there all along, if only she can learn to see it.
This middle grade novel tackles several big themes kids can relate to, from struggling to make friends to sibling rivalry to being abandoned by a parent. Each difficult topic is handled gracefully and tenderly. The reader gets to be inside Annie’s head, seeing her experiences through her eyes. As Annie learns to look outward more and open herself up, she may find that the only unlucky star in her sky is the one she painted there.
This tender story also tackles the hardship of loving an elderly person, including if that person struggles with memory issues and medical issues. Annie has tough decisions to make as her elderly friend asks Annie to withhold potentially dangerous information from a caregiver.
This novel was beautifully written with spectacular descriptions, well developed characters, and a well placed plot. As Annie learns self-awareness, it encourages others to look at her differently as well. Anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out will be able to find themselves in this sweet story.
These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn will be released March 2, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for the advanced copy!
January 25, 2021
4.5 Stars!
From the moment I began reading this story I was whisked off to the Blue Ridge Mountains. I could see the haze hanging over the peaks as the sun began to rise. I could smell the pine trees and feel the peacefulness of a small town in North Carolina. I wanted to stroll down the streets, stop in the book shop and pick up some muffins from Lulu’s bakery. At noon I wanted to have lunch at Jojo’s and The Earl’s and try to decide between western or eastern BBQ with my huge pile of hushpuppies on the side. @gillianmcdunn, the author of CATERPILLAR SUMMER and THE QUEEN BEE AND ME made this all come alive and provided a much needed breath of fresh summer air during this cold midwestern winter.
Then I got to meet the fun, loving characters of this story. Annie, the artistic girl who is convinced she is the unluckiest person ever, her older brother Ray, the boy who follows every rule and is basically perfect, her serious, hardworking dad, Gloria, a feisty, stubborn old lady who changes Annie’s life, and many more loving, supportive neighbors.
I learned about a silly prank on the last day of school which led to Annie making daily visits to Gloria all summer long to help her and her weird dog, Otto. And I learned how the visits led to an unexpected friendship and to Annie beginning to understand herself.
As I got to know Annie, my heart went out to this girl who is convinced her mother deserted the family many years ago because she is so unlucky. I wanted to shake her hardworking, but narrow minded dad who has no patience or understanding of Annie’s love of art and refuses to talk about her mom. I cheered for her as her confidence began to grow and she began to allow her friends to get to know her, especially Gloria who helps her believe in herself and to understand everyone is both lucky and unlucky.
This MG book for grades 3+ (many thanks to @bloomsburypublishing for the free review copy) is out 3.2.21. It’s one you’ll definitely want to add to your TBR list!
From the moment I began reading this story I was whisked off to the Blue Ridge Mountains. I could see the haze hanging over the peaks as the sun began to rise. I could smell the pine trees and feel the peacefulness of a small town in North Carolina. I wanted to stroll down the streets, stop in the book shop and pick up some muffins from Lulu’s bakery. At noon I wanted to have lunch at Jojo’s and The Earl’s and try to decide between western or eastern BBQ with my huge pile of hushpuppies on the side. @gillianmcdunn, the author of CATERPILLAR SUMMER and THE QUEEN BEE AND ME made this all come alive and provided a much needed breath of fresh summer air during this cold midwestern winter.
Then I got to meet the fun, loving characters of this story. Annie, the artistic girl who is convinced she is the unluckiest person ever, her older brother Ray, the boy who follows every rule and is basically perfect, her serious, hardworking dad, Gloria, a feisty, stubborn old lady who changes Annie’s life, and many more loving, supportive neighbors.
I learned about a silly prank on the last day of school which led to Annie making daily visits to Gloria all summer long to help her and her weird dog, Otto. And I learned how the visits led to an unexpected friendship and to Annie beginning to understand herself.
As I got to know Annie, my heart went out to this girl who is convinced her mother deserted the family many years ago because she is so unlucky. I wanted to shake her hardworking, but narrow minded dad who has no patience or understanding of Annie’s love of art and refuses to talk about her mom. I cheered for her as her confidence began to grow and she began to allow her friends to get to know her, especially Gloria who helps her believe in herself and to understand everyone is both lucky and unlucky.
This MG book for grades 3+ (many thanks to @bloomsburypublishing for the free review copy) is out 3.2.21. It’s one you’ll definitely want to add to your TBR list!
March 4, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books through NetGalley.
Though this book begins a bit slowly, stay with it. McDunn introduces her characters and spins out their story with real life situations. Annie knows she is unlucky. Her mother told her she was born under an unlucky star before she left their family. She lives her life accepting that she has bad luck and nothing will go her way. She doesn't feel she fits in with her father and brother who seem so alike. Then, something goes wrong when she accepts a dare and she meets Gloria and Otto. Annie spends the summer taking care of Otto while Gloria's broken arm heals and discovers how much she is taking care of Gloria too. As the book develops, readers see relationships heal, characters grow and learn to share honestly with each other. Both Annie and Gloria have to face the reality of their lives and make decisions for their own well being. Gloria finally agrees to go to the Assisted Living facility and Annie is figuring out how to interact and develop friendships.
Love the ending as the group of friends surprise Gloria at the facility. It's a delight to see Annie being part of the group and to see one last chuckle as the story ends.
Middle grade readers will identify with the characters and recognize the emotions they feel. Abandonment is a real issue for so many of our young people and they will recognize the emotions Annie and her family go through.
Though this book begins a bit slowly, stay with it. McDunn introduces her characters and spins out their story with real life situations. Annie knows she is unlucky. Her mother told her she was born under an unlucky star before she left their family. She lives her life accepting that she has bad luck and nothing will go her way. She doesn't feel she fits in with her father and brother who seem so alike. Then, something goes wrong when she accepts a dare and she meets Gloria and Otto. Annie spends the summer taking care of Otto while Gloria's broken arm heals and discovers how much she is taking care of Gloria too. As the book develops, readers see relationships heal, characters grow and learn to share honestly with each other. Both Annie and Gloria have to face the reality of their lives and make decisions for their own well being. Gloria finally agrees to go to the Assisted Living facility and Annie is figuring out how to interact and develop friendships.
Love the ending as the group of friends surprise Gloria at the facility. It's a delight to see Annie being part of the group and to see one last chuckle as the story ends.
Middle grade readers will identify with the characters and recognize the emotions they feel. Abandonment is a real issue for so many of our young people and they will recognize the emotions Annie and her family go through.
January 26, 2021
After loving Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn, I had high expectations for this book. In my opinion, These Unlucky Stars was good, but not quite as good as Caterpillar Summer. I just didn't feel the same kind of connection to the characters. In These Unlucky Stars, Annie lives in a small town with her dad and her brother who both are very similar to each other and very different from her. Annie's mother abandoned the family several years ago and Annie feels that abandonment deeply. Because of this, she has few deep meaningful connections with others. Annie thinks she is unlucky, born under an unlucky star as her mother used to say.
One day, Annie is cajoled into pulling a prank. So, when an accident occurs and an elderly woman, Gladys, gets injured, Annie chalks it up to her bad luck. Annie, in an effort to make amends, gets roped into taking care of Gladys' dog Otto for a while. Eventually, a friendship develops between Gladys and Annie as Annie begins to see beyond the curmudgeonly old woman Gladys comes across as.
Slowly throughout the book, Annie begins to connect with others. In doing this, she realizes that maybe she isn't so unlucky after all.
One day, Annie is cajoled into pulling a prank. So, when an accident occurs and an elderly woman, Gladys, gets injured, Annie chalks it up to her bad luck. Annie, in an effort to make amends, gets roped into taking care of Gladys' dog Otto for a while. Eventually, a friendship develops between Gladys and Annie as Annie begins to see beyond the curmudgeonly old woman Gladys comes across as.
Slowly throughout the book, Annie begins to connect with others. In doing this, she realizes that maybe she isn't so unlucky after all.
March 19, 2021
Gillian McDunn has done it again! I am also so excited when I find out she has a new book coming out and also so sad when it's over and the waiting begins again. "These Unlucky Stars" is another beautiful middle grade novel about a character who struggles with challenging situations, family secrets, and special friendships with the most unexpected people. Annie and Gloria were just what I needed right now, and I will be thinking of them for a long time to come. I wish everyone could meet a Gloria--someone who is hard as nails on the outside but soft and squishy on the inside. Someone who is more than they appear and can leave a life long lasting impression. She reminds us that “Figuring out who you are is the fun part of life.” Fans of Caterpillar Summer and Me and the Queen Bee will not be disappointed by this latest gem! Can't WAIT to see what comes next:)
Some of my #GoldenLines from the story include:
“Sometimes that’s what love is—putting aside the notion of being right and instead being just plain curious about the person you’re talking to.”
“Life is a mix of good and bad. Things have a way of evening out.”
Thank you for sharing a copy of the book with #CTCASLReads and #Bookposse!
Some of my #GoldenLines from the story include:
“Sometimes that’s what love is—putting aside the notion of being right and instead being just plain curious about the person you’re talking to.”
“Life is a mix of good and bad. Things have a way of evening out.”
Thank you for sharing a copy of the book with #CTCASLReads and #Bookposse!
March 5, 2021
Annie is a girl who feels like she was born under unlucky stars. Anything that can go bad for her will. When a prank goes wrong, Annie has to start to spend time with Gloria, a grumpy, elderly woman, and her dog, to make amends.
This book was a quick and easy read. I liked the idea of the story, but I struggled with several aspects of it. Annie and her brother are middle school aged, but a lot of the actions they did did not seem appropriate for their age. The relationship with Gloria went from difficult and awkward to great friends very quickly. I get that you can't drag things out in a book or the readers will lose interest, but it seemed a little too forced for me. So much of the book talked about how Annie's mom just up and left them and never contacted them, and near the end, we learn of her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It didn't sit well with me how it was portrayed in such a negative light.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.
This book was a quick and easy read. I liked the idea of the story, but I struggled with several aspects of it. Annie and her brother are middle school aged, but a lot of the actions they did did not seem appropriate for their age. The relationship with Gloria went from difficult and awkward to great friends very quickly. I get that you can't drag things out in a book or the readers will lose interest, but it seemed a little too forced for me. So much of the book talked about how Annie's mom just up and left them and never contacted them, and near the end, we learn of her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It didn't sit well with me how it was portrayed in such a negative light.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.
March 6, 2021
Thank you to the author an publisher for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition!
Living a small town life and convinced she’s unlucky, Annie has always felt that she doesn’t belong in her family. Her mother left years ago, and her dad and older brother are practical and organized - the opposite of her artistic and creative self. Feeling like an outsider at home and at school, Annie doesn’t really get close to anyone or let anyone get close to her.
When a dare goes horribly wrong, Annie must make things right by helping an elderly woman named Gloria and her weird dog, Otto. As Annie helps Gloria while she’s recovering, she takes steps in connecting with others, slowly realizing that she can make her own luck and find a path to happiness.
What I love most about Annie is that she’s a real kid, flaws and all. And watching her learn to be a better version of herself through the trust of her family, new friends, and community was a beautiful thing to witness.
Highly recommend - out now!
Living a small town life and convinced she’s unlucky, Annie has always felt that she doesn’t belong in her family. Her mother left years ago, and her dad and older brother are practical and organized - the opposite of her artistic and creative self. Feeling like an outsider at home and at school, Annie doesn’t really get close to anyone or let anyone get close to her.
When a dare goes horribly wrong, Annie must make things right by helping an elderly woman named Gloria and her weird dog, Otto. As Annie helps Gloria while she’s recovering, she takes steps in connecting with others, slowly realizing that she can make her own luck and find a path to happiness.
What I love most about Annie is that she’s a real kid, flaws and all. And watching her learn to be a better version of herself through the trust of her family, new friends, and community was a beautiful thing to witness.
Highly recommend - out now!
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