Just My Luck by Cammie McGovern

Synopsis:
Fourth grade is not going at all how Benny Barrows hoped. He hasn’t found a new best friend. He’s still not a great bike rider—even though his brother George, who’s autistic, can do tricks. And worst of all, he worries his dad’s recent accident might be all his fault. Benny tries to take his mom’s advice and focus on helping others, and to take things one step at a time. But when his dad ends up in the hospital again, Benny doesn’t know how he and his family will overcome all the bad luck that life has thrown their way.

Just My Luck is a deeply moving and rewarding novel about a down-on-his-luck boy whose caring heart ultimately helps him find the strength to cope with tragedy and realize how much he truly has to offer his friends and family.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
To end 2018, I wanted to read as many contemporary books as possible. I've been in the mood to read a lot of contemporary lately. I think it's because they are usually standalones that I can rad in less than a day. Also, every now and then I just need some cuteness in my life. While it wasn't exactly what I expected, I really enjoyed Just My Luck.

Just My Luck isn't one of those books that I would normally go out of my way to pick up, but I'm so glad I did. I thought it was a powerful, and yet sometimes heartbreaking middle grade book. I didn't expect it to be as hard hitting as it was. It definitely gave me the feels, several times when reading, especially when Benny had moments of heavy guilt for what happened to his father. It was hard to read that from a child's perspective because he didn't have the reasoning skills yet to realize it wasn't his fault. Sometimes bad things just happen. I was impressed with the way the author wrote from such a young point of view, and pulled it off very well. I also enjoyed the autism rep in Just My Luck. I thought it was very accurate compared to what I have seen in real life.

Even though Just My Luck didn't end in a perfect happy ending, when I finished the book, it made me feel hopeful. I love it when books can do that, even if everything isn't 100% fine in the end (trying to be vague because I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read the book yet). After reading this book, I am excited to read more Cammie McGovern books that I own. I'm sure the other books will also be thought provoking, hard hitting reads. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a beautiful, yet sometimes sad story to read. 

I give Just My Luck: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website:  http://www.cammiemcgovern.com/home/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CammieMcGovern
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36320.Cammie_McGovern

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.