Lucky

November 30, 2015
Hill debuts with a fast-moving animal adventure that explores friendship, belonging, loyalty, and perseverance. Following an attack on his “home-tree,” Lucky, a tiny and timid red squirrel, was adopted by the First Daughter of a matriarchal Cloudfoot clan of gray squirrels. Female Cloudfoots are schooled in “the Knowledge,” which enables them to advise males so they can defeat enemies. Though “it had never occurred to her that a male could be clever,” First Daughter decides to share the Knowledge with Lucky, who is smaller and weaker than the gray squirrels and will only survive by learning to think for himself. Lucky’s wits and friends give him the confidence to prove his mettle during a battle with an enemy squirrel family, in which a young female squirrel, Mazie, also triumphs. Hill packs her story with personable characters, including several chipper dogs and foxes who protect, rather than prey on, squirrels. Observations from a squirrel’s perspective—seeing human runners in the park, Lucky muses, “Something terrible must be chasing them”—will keep readers entertained throughout. Ages 7–10.

Starred review from December 1, 2015
Lucky, a red squirrel, is nothing like his new adopted family. The gray Cloudfoots are bigger, stronger, and faster than he. It will take all of his wits to survive the Cadet Troop training and avoid being Cast Down. Instead of becoming cynical about his misfortune, Lucky develops compassion and determination. He quickly befriends Nimlet, another outcast. Together they develop a strategy for surviving the final race that will decide their fate in the Clan. But when the Northenders, a group of rival gray squirrels, attack their home, Lucky and Nimlet will need more than cunning and speed to keep the two clans from destroying each other. While Lucky is the perfect hero, upholding truth and honor above scheming and victory, he is only one of a large cast of interesting characters, including Finlay, a retired police dog; Eric a softhearted Staffordshire terrier; Amber a sly fox; and Tarragon, a Northender--all are part of the amusing, entertaining, and heartwarming cast. An author's note explains the history of the invasive gray and indigenous red squirrels in the U.K. and offers resources for those interested in red-squirrel conservation. A sweet story that begs a sequel--ideal for fans of the Warriors series. (Animal fantasy. 8-11)

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February 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-Lucky, a young red squirrel, is appropriately named. Buried within memories, Lucky recalls the "shrinking winds, splintering wood, and sharp talons" that brought him to his new home with the Cloudfoots, a larger gray squirrel clan. Although his new mother tries to reassure him, everyone knows Lucky is different-even he knows he is different. The Cloudfoots are stronger and much larger (not to mention, much tougher) than Lucky. To fit in with the clan, he is thrust into the Squirrel Trial, a coming-of-age test that will allow him a permanent place within the society of the Cloudfoots. As Lucky begins to prepare himself for the trials, he discovers that the Northenders, a less-fortunate squirrel clan further down the avenue, want control of the rich Cloudfoot lands. A war is approaching, and Lucky's new clan needs him to help. Debut author Hill intertwines themes of loyalty and friendship with a coming-of-age story of a young outcast going against the odds. Lucky is an endearing character who deals with some very sorrowful moments. VERDICT Lovers of animal adventure stories like The Tale of Despereaux and Charlotte's Web will embrace this sweet tale.-Brittney Kosev, Terra Vista Middle School, Wolforth, TX

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