10 Lucky Things that have happened to me since I nearly got hit by lightning

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with secret shame, particularly regarding a parent's incarceration or a sudden drop in family status. It is an ideal choice for the middle-grade reader who feels like an outsider and needs to see that life can still contain humor and luck even when things feel broken. The story follows Effie, whose father is in prison, as she navigates the social hierarchy of her Catholic school while keeping her family's reality a secret. Hershey masterfully balances the heavy themes of financial hardship and social stigma with a witty, resilient voice. Through Effie's 'lucky things' list, the book models gratitude and perspective-taking without being preachy. It is a comforting, realistic look at the complicated love children feel for flawed parents and the importance of finding friends who accept the whole truth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.