School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Lucky, a young red squirrel, is appropriately named. Buried within memories, Lucky recalls the "shrinking winds, splintering wood, and sharp talons" that brought him to his new home with the Cloudfoots, a larger gray squirrel clan. Although his new mother tries to reassure him, everyone knows Lucky is different-even he knows he is different. The Cloudfoots are stronger and much larger (not to mention, much tougher) than Lucky. To fit in with the clan, he is thrust into the Squirrel Trial, a coming-of-age test that will allow him a permanent place within the society of the Cloudfoots. As Lucky begins to prepare himself for the trials, he discovers that the Northenders, a less-fortunate squirrel clan further down the avenue, want control of the rich Cloudfoot lands. A war is approaching, and Lucky's new clan needs him to help. Debut author Hill intertwines themes of loyalty and friendship with a coming-of-age story of a young outcast going against the odds. Lucky is an endearing character who deals with some very sorrowful moments. VERDICT Lovers of animal adventure stories like The Tale of Despereaux and Charlotte's Web will embrace this sweet tale.-Brittney Kosev, Terra Vista Middle School, Wolforth, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Hill debuts with a fast-moving animal adventure that explores friendship, belonging, loyalty, and perseverance. Following an attack on his "home-tree," Lucky, a tiny and timid red squirrel, was adopted by the First Daughter of a matriarchal Cloudfoot clan of gray squirrels. Female Cloudfoots are schooled in "the Knowledge," which enables them to advise males so they can defeat enemies. Though "it had never occurred to her that a male could be clever," First Daughter decides to share the Knowledge with Lucky, who is smaller and weaker than the gray squirrels and will only survive by learning to think for himself. Lucky's wits and friends give him the confidence to prove his mettle during a battle with an enemy squirrel family, in which a young female squirrel, Mazie, also triumphs. Hill packs her story with personable characters, including several chipper dogs and foxes who protect, rather than prey on, squirrels. Observations from a squirrel's perspective-seeing human runners in the park, Lucky muses, "Something terrible must be chasing them"-will keep readers entertained throughout. Ages 7-10. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
