The Lucky Ones

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing the gap between their own life and the lives of those with less, or when they feel discouraged by systemic unfairness. Set in 1967 Mississippi, the story follows eleven year old Ellis Earl as he navigates life in a large, impoverished family. After reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ellis begins to wonder if hope is a luxury only found in fiction or if he can create his own happy ending. This is a poignant choice for middle grade readers who are ready to explore themes of social justice, the value of education, and the strength found in family bonds. While the setting is historical, the emotional core of struggling with food insecurity and big dreams is timeless. It provides a safe space to discuss the dignity of all people regardless of their financial status and the power of a single person or book to change a child's trajectory.