The Lucky Wheel

July 1, 2015

Gr 1-3-Grace Gilmore introduces her "Tales from Maple Ridge" series with these two titles. Both offerings are solid introductory chapter books. The language is accessible and aspiring, the plots are clean, and Brown's illustrations are absolutely beautiful. While nothing Logan Pryce, our creative and industrious main character, doesn't face anything too intense, Gilmore doesn't shy away from serious topics like lying and lost jobs. Logan introduces readers to the Pryce family and follows them through the decision to give up their farm for new opportunities. In Lucky, Logan embarks on a money-raising venture to fix up his one-room schoolhouse. Despite laughter from his classmates and a tight budget at home, Logan finds a creative and resourceful way to help his school. Illustrations accompany the large, easily read text on each page, making this an excellent transition from beginning readers to chapter books. Parents itching to read Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" titles with their children will find this new series a welcome stepping stone. VERDICT A general purchase for early chapter book collections.-Taylor Worley, Springfield Public Library, OR

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