LUCKY ENOUGH

A sign regarding the nature of luck hangs on Trey’s wall, a remembrance of his grandmother.

Trey believes that the blue sea glass that his grandmother gave him brings him luck in baseball—and in school as well, negating the need for extensive study. On the field he steps over the foul lines, taps home plate four times with his carefully selected bat, and, most of all, keeps the polished shard of sea glass with him at all times. He is selected for the Ravens, makes some great plays, and gets some timely hits. When his lucky charm is lost, he goes into a slump. Listening to his mom and uncle reminiscing helps him realize that he has been misinterpreting his grandmother’s thoughts about luck. Success is all about practice and hard work and using your talents. Bowen employs nearly every bit of applicable baseball lingo, with detailed descriptions of practicing and playing the game, assuming that readers will understand. He includes some gentle life lessons in a palatable, not too hectoring manner. In a nice touch, there are fun facts about some famous major league players who had lucky rituals, hats, bats, and more. Although Trey and his family are probably white, naming conventions indicate some possible diversity among his teammates.

A good read for youngsters who know and love the game.