Luck for the Luckless

The Luck of the Buttons by Anne Ylvisaker

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Published: April 2011 (Candlewick Press)

The Luck of the Buttons by Anne Ylvisaker is a story about a twelve-year-old girl, Tugs Button. Tugs is from a long line of luckless, somewhat unhappy and completely undistinguished family, who consider the eating of pie to be a sign that something is wrong. Needless to say, nobody expects much from the Button family. One day Tugs meets a young charismatic gentleman, Harvey Moore, who plans to start a newspaper to bring progress to the small town. As the town of Goodhue is swept up in the anticipation of the newspaper’s promised publication, Tugs finds a mystery and sets out to solve it. Armed with her Brownie camera that she won in a raffle and backed by several unlikely characters, Tugs will start a journey that proves that luck may just be attainable for those who look for it.

I loved this book. Not only did the cover art win me over, but the story did too. It was adorable, and I must admit that I am a sucker for cutesy stories. Tugs was such a charming and spunky character, I couldn’t help but laugh and get swept up into the plot. Although the plot was straightforward, I felt that it delivered a great young heroine, an upbeat tale, and a wonderful message: You are what you make of yourself. Despite the fact that this book is targeted to a younger audience, I feel that it can be appreciated by people outside of the intended audience, as long as the reader is not looking for anything overly profound or complex. Great characters populated the book. Most were flat, but they were likeable, especially Tugs, Granddaddy Ike, and Aggie. Although development for secondary characters was lacking, Tugs definitely was a figure that was responsive to the environment and grew throughout the book. The story does use terms and phrases that are typical for the time setting, so be ready for that when reading the book, though it didn’t detract from the story at all. In fact, I think it enhanced the authentic, rustic feel of the story line. On a more nitpicky note, some of the wording in the beginning was a bit awkward, but for the most part, that was my only real complaint. As long as the reader goes in with the expectation that this story is a quick, easy, and fun read, it will be enjoyed. I acknowledge that this book is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I liked it but others may not. I would recommend The Luck of the Buttons to someone who is searching for a fun-loving, at times silly, but completely charming tale. This book was given as an ARC from Candlewick Press.

---Posted by Lauren G.

Teen Speak

Motorcycles, Sushi, & One Strange Book by Nancy Rue

Genre: YA Fiction

Published: April 2010 (Zondervan)

Jessie Hatcher is a fifteen-year-old girl with ADHD who lives with her bipolar mother. One day, out of the blue, Jessie’s father, who was said to be dead, suddenly calls her and comes to visit. This visit causes Jessie's mother to try to commit suicide by overdosing on pain medication. Since her mother is getting treatment at the hospital, Jessie has to stay with her dad. On the way there, she finds a book with the letters ‘RL’ on the cover. The book has bible stories in it that makes Jessie look at her life differently, as well as get through some hard times.

I really liked Motorcycles, Sushi, & One Strange Book, especially because the scriptures are written in the 'street language' of today. The cover makes it seem like the book is your typical fluffy chic-lit, but in reality it talks about some very serious and deep subjects. This book covers topics such as ADHD, mental illness, depression and alcoholism, but does it in a tasteful and thought provoking way. Thanks to Zondervan for donating this book!

---Posted by Natalie

The Summer I Lost It by Natalie Kath

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Published: August 2011 (Stone Arch Books)

Being fourteen years old is hard enough for Kat without having to worry about being overweight. Tired of feeling badly about herself, Kat decides that this summer she is going to do something about it. When her initial plan of attending “fat camp” falls through because her parents cannot afford to send her there, Kat doesn’t let that stop her. Instead, she joins the gym and changes her eating habits. Though losing weight isn’t easy, Kat never gives up and learns some important life lessons along the way.

The Summer I Lost It is a great motivational book for pre-teen girls who may be struggling with their weight. I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC. It is a really quick read, but contains a strong message. For Kat, it’s not just about losing weight however she can so she can look like everyone else; it’s about liking who she is as a person, improving her self-esteem, and losing weight the healthy way. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their weight. The Summer I Lost It is not only entertaining, but also a guide on how to lose weight the healthy way. There are even recipes at the end of the book to get you going!

---Posted by Ashley

Teen Speak

Check out what our teens had to say about some of their favorite books!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Genre: YA Dystopian

Published: 2011

 

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This is a book about a seventeen-year old girl named Lena whose world is controlled by the government and love is not allowed. When she falls in love, Lena starts to see the flaws in her perfect world. As she learns of a new world, she challenges the old one. Lena’s character changes from being withdrawn to standing up for what she wants. I could identify with Lena when she was grappling with the problem of breaking the rules to fight for what she believes in. The end of the book is sad and challenging in a good way. If you like this book, you will like Matched by Allyson Condie.

 

      

               --Posted by Natalie & Sabrina

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Genre: YA Fiction

Published: 2010



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One night, driving home from a party, Samantha and her friends crash her car and she dies. After her death, Samantha gets seven chances to right her wrongs before she can finally let go. If you like books about getting second chances, then you’ll like this book.

     

             --Posted by Natalie R.

Sabriel (Abhorsen, # 1) by Garth Nix

Genre: Juvenile Fantasy

Published: 1995



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Sabriel is a fantastic adventure through a mysterious world of old magic and necromancy. Sabriel, the daughter of Abhorsen, has kept herself away from the Old Kingdom, but now her father is missing and she is out to find him. The final showdown is amazingly well done and will leave you happy for the heroes. If you enjoy a good tale of heroism and love, then this is the book for you.

      

               --Posted by Brandon E.