The Real Lucky Charm
Grade 2-5–Readers were introduced to 10-year-old African-American twins Mia and Marcus in Richardson'sThe Real Slam Dunk(EnRich, 2002). Here, Mia and her friend Gabbie decide to try out for the new girls' basketball team. When not enough players sign up, they become part of a new coed team. When Mia plays particularly well, she begins to believe that her father's gift of a new charm for her bracelet is bringing her luck, not only in basketball, but also with her schoolwork. She slackens up in her practice and studies, depending instead on her lucky piece. When she loses it, she also loses her confidence on the court, doesn't score well on her spelling test, and is convinced that the missing charm is the cause. As the story progresses, she learns to trust her abilities and efforts to accomplish her goals. Supported by occasional attractive black-and-white drawings, this short, family-oriented sports story will capture the interest of beginning chapter-book readers as well as reluctant readers. Its message is simple and straightforward, as summed up by Mia's father–Once you start believing in yourself again and not that charm, you'll be just fine.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.