The Thing About Luck
The Thing About Luck
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013
Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
American Midwest • Contemporary
2013
Middle grade
10-14 years
700L
Super Short Summary
The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata follows twelve-year-old Japanese-American Summer as she navigates a challenging summer working with her grandparents to support their family in Texas, all while grappling with her sense of identity, her maturation into a compassionate and diligent teenager, and pressures stemming from her family's financial needs. Illness and themes of illness are present.
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
5,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata has received mixed reviews. Critics praise the novel for its rich cultural insights and strong character development, particularly the protagonist Summer. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot lacking in action. Overall, it is appreciated for its heartfelt portrayal of Japanese-American life and family bonds.
Who Should Read The Thing About Luck?
Readers who enjoy touching coming-of-age stories with cultural depth will find joy in Cynthia Kadohata's The Thing About Luck. Similar to those who cherish Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan or Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, this book delivers a heartfelt exploration of family, resilience, and life's unpredictable turns.
5,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
American Midwest • Contemporary
2013
Middle grade
10-14 years
700L
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