Just My Luck - by Cammie McGovern (Paperback)

About the Book

This year is not going at all how Benny Barrows expected. He hasn't gotten any better at riding a bike -- even though his brother George, who's autistic, can actually do tricks. His best friend moved away and he's having trouble finding a new one. His teacher is suddenly acting very strange. And worst of all, Benny worries he's to blame for the accident that sent his dad to the hospital. When his principal announces a contest that will recognize students for their good deeds around the school, Benny starts to think his mom might be right -- when bad things happen, you should focus on helping others. But no matter how helpful Benny tries to be, no one seems to notice. Making videos with his toy figurines is the only time Benny feels like he's in control -- and the only time he can imagine a happy ending. Now Benny just needs to figure out how to do the same for him and his family.

Book Synopsis

Critically acclaimed author Cammie McGovern's powerful and heartwarming middle grade novel will appeal to readers who loved R. J. Palacio's Wonder, Holly Sloan's Counting by 7s, and Lynda Mullaly Hunt's Fish in a Tree. "This brave story, told with wry humor, is inspirational," raved Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign.

Fourth grade is not going at all how Benny Barrows hoped. He hasn't found a new best friend at school. He's still not a great bike rider--even though his brother George, who's autistic, can do tricks. And worst of all, he worries his dad's recent accident might be all his fault. Benny tries to take his mom's advice and focus on helping others, and to take things one step at a time. But when his dad ends up in the hospital again, Benny doesn't know how he and his family will overcome all the bad luck that life seems to have thrown their way.

Just My Luck is a deeply moving and rewarding novel about a down-on-his-luck boy whose caring heart ultimately helps him find the strength to cope with tragedy and realize how much he truly has to offer his friends and family.

Review Quotes

Praise for SAY WHAT YOU WILL: "This is a book to read, savor, and pass on and on until it has gone around the world twice." - Ron Koertge, author of Stoner & Spaz
"Exhilarating and heartrending.This novel is stunning." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
"Readers will be surprised, moved, amused, worried, hopeful, and grateful." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"McGovern's triumph is how well she normalizes and highlights the variety of disability experiences among teens and their often circuitous journeys toward claiming their voices and right to self-determination. Ultimately, a deeply engaging and rewarding story." - Kirkus Reviews
"What this book does best is move beyond the typical concerns and stigmas people with disabilities inevitably encounter to present an honest portrayal of the difficulties of growing up faced by these particular characters." - The Horn Book
"Cammie McGovern channels her knowledge and passion for specialneeds kids. Like the deservedly best-selling Wonder by R.J. Palacio--required reading for every family--this doesn't just get you talking, it gets you thinking, feeling and rejoicing." - Family Circle
"McGovern's books are created and written to make the readers think carefully about the themes presented in the stories. Her beautifully written novels feature people who are different in some way; developmentally delayed or suffering from cerebral palsy, obsessive compulsive disorder, or autism. Her stories make people who are "different" more accessible to all of us." - Examiner.com
"McGovern's books make readers think carefully about the themes presented. Her beautifully written novels feature people who are different in some way; developmentally delayed or suffering from cerebral palsy, obsessive compulsive disorder, or autism. Her stories make people who are "different" more accessible to all of us." - Examiner.com
"McGovern writes convincingly about characters trying to figure out how best to live with the complications of a disability, both the person whom it most affects and also those around him or her. Benny's voice deserves to be read aloud in a classroom." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"In her debut novel for middle grade readers, McGovern presents a heart-filled story of a likable boy who doesn't realize that his natural gifts are recognizable and valued by a supportive family and his teacher Mr. Norris. There are many moments that will ring true to middle grade readers: feeling anxious about friendships, wanting to be noticed, and trying to do the right thing. Recommend this sensitive novel to fans of Lisa Graff's Absolutely Almost and Rob Buyea's Because of Mr. Terupt." - School Library Journal
"A heart-filled story of a likable boy who doesn't realize that his natural gifts are recognizable and valued by a supportive family. There are many moments that will ring true to middle grade readers: feeling anxious about friendships, wanting to be noticed, and trying to do the right thing." - School Library Journal
"Benny's first-person narrative radiates with exactly the kind of compassion his mother recommends. Like many nine-year-olds, Benny can be guileless in one moment and wise beyond his years in another. Highly recommended for fans of realistic fiction by writers such as Ann M. Martin or Lisa Graff." - ALA Booklist
"Just My Luck is very poignant and will strike a familiar chord with readers of all ages." - Jennifer Armstrong, Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, Vt.
"I loved this portrait of a young boy struggling to find his role in a family determined not to be defined by their differences. Benny's brave story, told with wry humor, is inspirational." - Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign