Lucky Breaks by Susan Patron

This second Lucky book follows the Newbery Award winning, The Higher Power of Lucky.  One worries about a second attempt to catch magic but there need be no worries here.  Patron has again captured the essence of a tiny town, its diverse inhabitants, and at the same time the longings of a young girl.  Lucky is now almost eleven, an age that she feels has infinite potential.  Much more so than ten.  She is ready to become “intrepid” and have adventures.  But she is still stuck in Hard Pan and her friends don’t seem to be changing.  Lincoln is still obsessed with knots and Miles with being almost 6 himself.  When a group of scientists enter Brigitte’s cafe, there is a girl just Lucky’s age with them.  After a few stilted glances, Paloma and Lucky become fast friends.  But Lucky still yearns for adventure especially in her no-danger small town.

Just as charmingly written as the first, this book is the perfect companion novel.  Lucky remains as strong a character surrounded by others who are written with equal clarity and strength.  Patron writes with a subtle humor that is a delight to read.  Just as with the first book, this would make an exceptional classroom read with plenty to discuss together. 

I loved visiting Hard Pan again and seeing all of my old friends.  A wonderful second book, I look forward to the third which will complete the series.  Appropriate for ages 9-12.