Lucky Breaks

Reach for this book when your preteen is starting to experiment with their identity, perhaps by keeping secrets or pushing the boundaries of parental trust to impress a new friend. Lucky is an eleven year old living in a tiny desert town who feels the itch for something bigger. When a sophisticated girl from the city arrives, Lucky finds herself caught between her loyalties to her old friends and the tempting, sometimes risky, allure of being someone new. It is a gentle but honest look at the messy process of growing up. This story beautifully addresses the shame that comes with making mistakes and the courage required to offer a sincere apology. It is perfectly suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are navigating the shift from childhood play to more complex social pressures. Parents will appreciate the quirky, supportive community and the realistic way Lucky learns to value the people who truly know her.