By Gillian McDunn (author)
"A tender, heartfelt story of a girl who changes her luck"
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August 2021 Book of the Month
Annie feels the odd one out in her family of three. Creative and accident-prone she’s different to her so-practical dad and brother. She misses her mum, who left when Annie was very young, and feels somehow responsible. In fact, Annie feels guilt for lots of things and is convinced that she was born unlucky.
It takes practically her whole town to get her to think again, but chiefly it’s Gloria, the gorgeously forthright elderly lady Annie finds herself caring for over a summer that brings all sorts of changes. From the author of the excellent Caterpillar Summer , this is another heart-warming, unusual story of self-discovery, distinguished by McDunn’s writing and the character of her earnest, sensitive young protagonist.
The relationship between Gloria and Anne is particularly finely drawn, while readers will also warm to Gloria’s aesthetically challenged dog, Otto.
This novel has all the elements that make for a heart-warming, contemporary middle grade--a relatable narrator to root for, a strong and vibrant voice, a sweet and unexpected friendship, and great cast of characters (including an adorably ugly dog!).
Read the full description
Ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has felt like the odd one out in her family. Her dad and brother are practical and organised - they just don't understand the way she thinks, in lines and colour. Everywhere she turns, she feels like an outsider, even at school, so she's been reluctant to get close to anyone.
When a Ding-Dong-Ditch attempt goes wrong, Annie finds herself stuck making amends with Gloria, the eccentric elderly lady she disturbed. As she begins to connect with Gloria and her weird little dog, it becomes clear that Gloria won't be able to live on her own for much longer. But it's this brief and important friendship that gives Annie the confidence to let people in, and see how rich life can be when you decide to make your own luck and chart your own path to happiness.
Praise for Caterpillar Summer;
McDunn offers a warmhearted, nuanced look at a slightly lonely child. . . . genuine and engaging. . . . Heartfelt and appealing. - Kirkus Reviews
An engaging, honest book--I love Cat, and you will, too! - Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life
I could almost smell the ocean air as I read Gillian McDunn's Caterpillar Summer. What a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up. - Kate Messner, author of Breakout
An engrossing, heartwarming, beautifully written debut about building and rebuilding family ties. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
McDunn's poignant, gratifying debut about friendship and family encourages both empathy and hope. - Publishers Weekly, starred review
Fans of the books Rules by Cynthia Lord and Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine will enjoy this well-written book about the struggles of a fractured family. - School Library Connection
Readers will find Cat to be an admirable and fully credible heroine . . . and the idyllic island setting makes for a wistful summer escape. - BCCB
A sweet summer story that middle grade readers will appreciate. - School Library Journal
Gillian McDunn has lived in California, Missouri, and North Carolina, and is a fan of both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. Like Cat, Gillian grew up as the big sister to a younger brother with special needs. She lives near Raleigh, NC, with her family. This is her first book.
Photo credit: Laura Case
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This novel has all the elements that make for a heart-warming, contemporary middle grade--a relatable narrator to root for, a strong and vibrant voice, a sweet and unexpected friendship, and great cast of characters (including an adorably ugly dog!). Ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has felt like the odd one out in her family.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed These Unlucky Stars and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
These Unlucky Stars features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £6.29, down from the £6.99 cover price. Not Available.
These Unlucky Stars was written by Gillian McDunn and published by Bloomsbury Childrens Books an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
These Unlucky Stars has 275 pages
£6.29, reduced from £6.99. Not Available.
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