by Susan Patron
First published 2009
Lucky stands on the brink of her eleventh birthday in Hard Pan, a tiny desert town with just 43 residents. She believes eleven will make her bold and adventurous, ready for the changes she craves. But Hard Pan moves at its own slow pace. Lincoln struggles with complicated knot problems that have made him famous among rope enthusiasts worldwide. Miles has been labeled a genius, though he still needs as much attention as before. Brigitte runs her café while wrestling with what being American really means. Then Paloma arrives with a group of geologists, and everything shifts. She's clever, attractive, and entertaining. Lucky sees perfect best friend potential. Yet obstacles multiply around every corner. Tomato worms invade the garden. Short Sammy guards a puzzling box. Paloma's parents plan a visit that could spell disaster for Hard Pan. Lucky must navigate these trials while proving she possesses the courage she claims to want.
Genres: family-life, adventure, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Hard Pan
Period: 11th Birthday
192 pages · Hardcover · Atheneum Books for Young Readers