It has been almost three years since I reviewed SUMMER OF L.U.C.K., a fun and engaging story centered on three friends at summer camp. Naz struggles to learn English, Justin has chosen to be silent after the death of his father, and Darby faces challenges with her stutter. A carnival and it’s ghostly owner, Leroy Usher, helps the kids find their voices in exchange for them helping him revive the carnival back to its former glory.

In READY OR NOT it’s a year later and the three friends have returned to camp.

With his second summer at Camp Inch headed downhill fast, thirteen-year-old Justin faces a tricky choice: stand up to bigotry or let fear hold him back. When he’s targeted by a bully, and a good friend stops speaking to him, Justin counts on help from Leroy Usher, the ghost whose magical carnival helped transform Justin’s life after his father died last year. So this should be a breeze, right? His expectations rise further when a mysterious message from Mr. Usher invites him and pals Darby and Naz for a midnight visit. Instead of a reunion, though, the kids find themselves transported through time to unravel a mystery that tore Mr. Usher’s family apart. As Justin digs for the truth, he discovers that Mr. Usher faced challenges during his lifetime with courage – and without magic. But if courage is what it takes, Justin must learn to do what’s right when everything’s wrong.

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The third person narration stays close to Justin as he faces how to react to bullying and racism, great topics that bring the tale close to the hearts of readers. There are also friendship issues and staying true to oneself. Justin is a believable 13-year-old with the many thoughts flooding his brain. He’s one you will not forget.

Even thought the author does a good job in bridging the two stories, you will find it helpful to first read SUMMER OF L.U.C.K. The story line in READY OR NOT stays mostly at the summer camp with a few time travel trips to the past as they try and uncover the truth about Leroy Usher’s family.

The 21 chapters flow at a perfect pace leading to an epilogue that opens the door to a final book in the L.U.C.K. trilogy, The Chambered Nautilus, due out next year.

Even though summer is winding down, you are in L.U.C.K. to have this series and the compelling characters to warm your heart on the colder days ahead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Segal Stegman is a Los Angeles-based author whose middle grade debut novel, Summer of L.U.C.K., and its sequel, Ready or Not (both from Young Dragons Press), are available wherever books are sold. The Chambered Nautilus, third in the L.U.C.K. trilogy, will follow. She serves as a judge for kidlit writer competitions and shares her author journey in engaging visits to schools and libraries. Her popular PR Tips for Authors workshop features a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit. Non-fiction credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York. A long-time publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC. www.LauraStegman.com

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.