Lucky Strike

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Nate Harlow, the target of bullying, has had back luck for as long as he can remember. His parents were killed in an accident when he was younger, and nothing ever seems to work out for him. Nate's luck changes on his eleventh birthday. While miniature golfing with his best friend, Genesis, Nate is struck by lightning. Soon everything he touches turns to gold, figuratively speaking. His grandfather wins a brand new pickup truck, his friend's father wins a boat race when Nate is onboard, and he becomes friends with the cool kids. Bobbie Pyron effectively weaves in themes of luck, fate, religion and faith. Middle grade readers will find Nate an endearing character in this fast-paced, magical realism story. As the story concludes, readers will see what’s really important in life: friends and family.

Overall Book Score: very good