To start with the cover, I like it a lot even though it gives me a modern vibe that doesn't fit the book. It appears contemporary, but the book's actually set in 1967 in rural Mississippi. In this case, I think a little bait-and-switch is fine. This is a very accessible and enjoyable story that kids shouldn't be scared away from with a traditional historical fiction cover.

11-year-old Ellis Earl lives with his mother, siblings, and cousins in a shack (no electricity, no running water, never enough food). Ellis Earl's teacher goes above and beyond to help his students by driving them to and from school, taking them to church, and giving them books. When Ellis Earl receives [b:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory|6310|Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1)|Roald Dahl|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309211401l/6310._SY75_.jpg|2765786] he identifies strongly with Charlie Bucket. Despite his difficult circumstances, he's full of hope for the future.

This story provides a close-up look at poverty with a sympathetic and relatable hero in Ellis Earl. This kind of story would probably be super depressing if it were written for an adult audience, but we love children's books because they often have happy endings. Ellis Earl and his family are rescued by joining a generous AME church community.

Some dialogue is written in a dialect that may be challenging for some young readers to decode, but it serves to show differences in accents. Ellis Earl has a preoccupation with speaking "properly" and often corrects his siblings' grammar. On the flip side, one of his classmates is teased for speaking "properly" which makes her hesitant to share in class.

This reminded me of [b:Bud, Not Buddy|368468|Bud, Not Buddy|Christopher Paul Curtis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388377422l/368468._SY75_.jpg|358453] (both kids are always hungry and hopeful). But it is also like a version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with very different circumstances, i.e. the chocolate factory is a church and no one gets turned into a blueberry. ( )

independent reading level: 8-12
awards: none listed

I enjoyed this book and was happy to see a "new" book on the topic(s) for this age group. I think my expectations might have been a bit too high. It would probably be a good book to teach in a classroom, and there is a guide on the publisher's website. The underlying storylines and themes are a good way to tell their story (especially about the idea of a "poverty tour." "Hearing" this story and history through Ellis Earl (as an 11 year old) might make it more accessible to the target reading group. (Like others, I didn't love how neat and tidy the ending of the book was.)

This historical fiction chapter book, aimed at ages 8-12, is set in rural Mississippi in 1967.  Ellis Earl Brown, age 11, is one of the nine children of a single African-American mother.  They live in a three-room house with no electricity or plumbing.

Only Ellis and one sister go to school - the older children all work (either outside the home or caring for their younger siblings), or are too ill or too young to attend.  Ellis' African-American teacher, Mr. Foster, helps him (and his family) by providing rides to and from school, and leftover meals from lunches.  Unlike his older siblings, Ellis *wants* to stay in school, and Mr. Foster encourages him.

Ellis is one of the students selected by Mr. Foster to go to the Jackson airport to see Bobby Kennedy, who has come to the Mississippi Delta to see the poverty stricken area firsthand.  Some of the experiences the children have on this trip will be eye-opening for some readers.

Although everything works out a little too neatly in the end, overall, I think this is a good book for grades 4-8.  A classroom discussion guide is available on the publisher's website.  Author Linda Williams Jackson incorporated rich details from her own childhood in the Mississippi Delta in this time period. ( )

The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson is one of the best books I have read in several months. The story is deeply touching and the characters are so well rounded I instantly felt drawn in to the story. I also found the book is easily readable by all ages, and even 3rd grade onward would be enriched by reading it. I am certain this book will be an instant classic. Highly recommend it. ( )