The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had

Gr 5—9—Kristin Levine's stellar novel (Putnam, 2009), set in a small Alabama town in 1917, is a coming-of-age story that deals with segregation, racism, social justice, and friendship. Twelve-year-old Harry "Dit" Sims was hoping that the new postmaster would have a son his age, but instead Mr. Walker, an African American, has a daughter. Emma, a smart and confident girl, arrives from Boston in a dress and shiny shoes and always has a book with her. Dit likes to hunt, fish, and play baseball. Their friendship evolves as Dit finds his way through unchartered territory, while some residents of the town frown upon it and a few are dangerously angry. Dit grows to realize that the color of Emma's skin does not make her any less of a best friend and that the views of some townspeople are unjust. When the town's barber, who is black, is arrested and accused of a terrible crime, Emma and Dit work together to try to make things right. Kirby Heyborne's narration is superb, drawing listeners into the emotions the characters are experiencing. With fully voiced and clearly distinct personalities and perfectly paced accents, Heyborne vividly brings each character to life. This is an ideal audiobook for classroom listening with rich discussion potential, and a must-have for school and public libraries.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY