Lucky Breaks

Title: Lucky Breaks

Author: Susan Patron

ISBN: 1416939989

Format: Chapter Book

Pages: 176 pgs.

Review: So Lucky is back in a new tale about growing up and learning some valuable life lessons in the old town of Hard Pan. In this sequel to The Higher Power of Lucky, Lucky makes a new friend, Paloma, from L.A. She also works for her adoptive mother Brigitte, in her small weekend cafe. She is also on the verge of turning eleven and that means opening the doors to a new life for Lucky. She is back to her adventurous ways, but is also learning a tough lesson in what it takes to be a good friend, not only to others but to herself. This sequel does a great job in tying up the themes presented in the Higher Power of Lucky. It continues with the search for self identity and belonging which is a common tween theme. Many readers can find themselves identifying with the issues that Lucky faces, I did as well even as an adult! The author presents typical tween issues such as self identity, future plans, becoming more independent, and learning to take responsibility for your own actions in an interesting and relatable way. Again, the story is interesting and as a reader, I found myself wanting to be friends with Lucky and all the people in Hard Pan. This story also great for tweens with issues such as living with a single parent, being adopted, having an incarcerated parent, and living with limited means. At points the lessons learned, dig drag on a bit and I found myself becoming a little bored with some of the conversations but I feel this is just my old age! I recommend this book as a great follow up to the original.