The 1920s: Luck (Century Kids)

The 1920s: Luck (Century Kids)

From School Library JournalGrade 4-6-One of a series of books about a fictionalized family, this entry takes place during the Roaring Twenties. Despite some lively writing, the unlikely plot and the confusing mix of reality (photographs of real people and places from the era) and fiction (the main characters and events) result in a contrived hodgepodge of a novel. After experiencing the racism of rural Georgia-segregation as well as the unjust conviction of her father, an African-American World War I veteran-Lorraine Dixon and her family move to Chicago. Amazingly enough, the 11-year-old succeeds in not only meeting her movie-star idol, Nell Aldrich, but also ends up solving the mystery of the actress's stolen necklace, with the help of her brother Marcus's drawing skills. Moreover, Nell's nephew Charley introduces them to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Although there are some fun moments along the way, the authors have tried to stuff too much into one book, resulting in a story bogged down by its own good intentions. In addition, it's not clear whether or not the photographs and the family trees of the main characters are real or part of the series set-up. Better to stick with the Hooblers' fine nonfiction "American Family Albums" series (Oxford).Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.In 1927 the Dixons move from rural Georgia to Chicago, where African Americans have more opportunities, and there Lorraine meets a famous movie actress and her little brother Marcus finds that his artistic talents are useful.