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Lucky Stars
Three unlikely friends dealing with hardships and personal dramas find one another during their darkest days and, through mutual support, manage to overcome their issues, join Mrs. Hill’s chorus, and succeed in making their dreams come true. Reprint.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 9, 2021
Lucky Stars by Lucy Frank is a novel about three 13-year olds named Kira, Jake and Eugene. Kira had to sing in the subways with her two younger brothers, while dreaming to stop singing forever. But Jake only sings in his dreams, because of his stuttering. Eugene, Jake's friend, has a loud, deep singing voice. Jake and Eugene discovers that Ms. Hill, the school's music teacher, has ambitions for them. At first, the boys don't think joining the chorus is their 'thing'- until they meet Kira. Jake, Eugene and Kira join the chorus, and develop friendship while going through big and small fights.
June 29, 2013
What do you get when you mix three oddly talented middle schoolers and a duck? A box of entertaining quackers. Eugene, a Korean kid with no filter on his gregarious mouth, Jake, a stutterer who sings fluently like a god, & Kira, a vocal goddess with a family from hell, all meet in NYC after Kira's charming, down-on-his-luck dad coaxes her to sing with him and her two baby brothers in the subway station for money. Talk about a train wreck! When the three amigos join Ms. Hill's energetic middle school choir, things begin to look up. Each character is achingly memorable & each chapter is written from one teen's point of view. A winner!
September 8, 2008
OMG!! i loved it you will fall in love with Jake
March 8, 2019
Since this book has been the star atop my classroom book tree for the last two years, I thought I should read it!
It is a cute YA story with three likeable protagonists.
It is a cute YA story with three likeable protagonists.
October 27, 2016
I have read the book, "Lucky Stars", by Lucy Frank, as my fifth book of the semester. And truthfully, this one really connected with me. The story follows two kids with two very different lives, and how music both helps them and hurts them through it. On one side, young Kira has just gone up to New York to spend the break with her father and half-brothers. However, she realizes that he's making his money singing in the subway and that he needs her to sing as well. On the other hand, you have Jake, who can barely speak without stuttering. All he wishes is to sing without a glitch, while Kira only wishes to stop. With all of these problems, what would happen when one fateful day these two meet underground, and they somehow save each other with the help of Eugene, Jake's best friend, and a music teacher that sees potential in all three of them? What would happen if it's music that saves everyone?
I love this book. That's all I can say. I love singing, even when I'm not the best at it, so this really struck a chord with me in a way. The two leads, Kira and Jake, make their impossible lives somehow understandable to us. As you watch Kira, you can see why she's so intense, and why she is hesitant to sing even when she sings so well. And Jake, who stutters when he talks, has smartness to him and you just want to hug him in the end. These two made the whole book worthwhile. However, I didn't like how a lot of the book involves these two constantly complaining about their lives at the expense of the plot and Eugene, who sits through all of this. But outside of that, I loved the music, and the characters, so it was a great book either way.
There are a few people I would recommend this to. If you are a person that either likes romance or music, you should read this book. Anyone who just wants a good read that's in middle school could easily read and enjoy this book. Even those who just want to have a humorous book that's a somewhat easy read should read this book. It was very good and had a really special message, even with the issues. Truly, it was a lucky pick.
I love this book. That's all I can say. I love singing, even when I'm not the best at it, so this really struck a chord with me in a way. The two leads, Kira and Jake, make their impossible lives somehow understandable to us. As you watch Kira, you can see why she's so intense, and why she is hesitant to sing even when she sings so well. And Jake, who stutters when he talks, has smartness to him and you just want to hug him in the end. These two made the whole book worthwhile. However, I didn't like how a lot of the book involves these two constantly complaining about their lives at the expense of the plot and Eugene, who sits through all of this. But outside of that, I loved the music, and the characters, so it was a great book either way.
There are a few people I would recommend this to. If you are a person that either likes romance or music, you should read this book. Anyone who just wants a good read that's in middle school could easily read and enjoy this book. Even those who just want to have a humorous book that's a somewhat easy read should read this book. It was very good and had a really special message, even with the issues. Truly, it was a lucky pick.
July 13, 2013
Thirteen-year-old Kira has a strong, beautiful voice and she hopes someday to share it with everyone, but singing in the New York city subway is not what she had in mind. Her dad, Russ, persuades Kira to join the performances he and her half brothers perform daily for handouts. Kira came to New York city for a visit with her dad and is shocked that this is how Russ supports his family.
Kira hates the subway performances. She is humiliated by having to sing to strangers who either heckle or pity her. Kira agrees to stay in new York and go to school so she can help her dad with her little brothers. Russ promises to get a real job and that they'll never do subway performances again. Kira is a tough kid, but being alone in a New York apartment with two little boys while her dad drives a cab is scary. She dreads going to her new school which is close to the subway platform where she sang. She can only hope no one will recognize her.
Two boys, Jake and Eugene, do recognize Kira, but keep her secret. Lucky Stars alternates first person voices by the three friends so the reader gets to know what motivates each of them. Jake has a speech problem and Eugene longs to make people laugh, but can't decide whether they are laughing with him or at him. Lucy Frank weaves good story about overcoming obstacles to reach goals, and the support friends give each other.
Kira hates the subway performances. She is humiliated by having to sing to strangers who either heckle or pity her. Kira agrees to stay in new York and go to school so she can help her dad with her little brothers. Russ promises to get a real job and that they'll never do subway performances again. Kira is a tough kid, but being alone in a New York apartment with two little boys while her dad drives a cab is scary. She dreads going to her new school which is close to the subway platform where she sang. She can only hope no one will recognize her.
Two boys, Jake and Eugene, do recognize Kira, but keep her secret. Lucky Stars alternates first person voices by the three friends so the reader gets to know what motivates each of them. Jake has a speech problem and Eugene longs to make people laugh, but can't decide whether they are laughing with him or at him. Lucy Frank weaves good story about overcoming obstacles to reach goals, and the support friends give each other.
August 29, 2014
A great first impression by Lucy Frank full of messages and lessons in life about friendship and believing in yourself. It's a fun loving book written with great explanations! It is humorous and keeps the audience engaged 80% of the time. Although this book is a great writing piece, it is boring at some points. The author writes and allows to many clues for the reader so you can guess the next part. For the most part, this book is a well constructed book with a theme. Not my favorite book but it was okay. It is an inspiring story with a great end.
Many people don't have to nerves to stand up and speak out loud for themselves. This book truly is inspiring to those people. People who don't believe in themselves will fall faster then with their doubts. This story really is great with a few downs and many ups. Three kids with a dream to perform, meet up in New York. A choir teacher notices how they each want the same thing and puts them together. Then, one of them makes a decision that changes each of their perspectives. Will them come together, or will they unfriend each other?
I recommend this book to people who like books with inspiring messages, humor, and to those who love Lucky Star by Cathy Cassidy.
Many people don't have to nerves to stand up and speak out loud for themselves. This book truly is inspiring to those people. People who don't believe in themselves will fall faster then with their doubts. This story really is great with a few downs and many ups. Three kids with a dream to perform, meet up in New York. A choir teacher notices how they each want the same thing and puts them together. Then, one of them makes a decision that changes each of their perspectives. Will them come together, or will they unfriend each other?
I recommend this book to people who like books with inspiring messages, humor, and to those who love Lucky Star by Cathy Cassidy.
April 27, 2015
Lucky Stars was a book just sitting in my bookshelf, for about a year I just avoided it. Eventually I picked it up and decided to read it. The phrase don't judge a book by its cover plays a big role here. Because when I saw this cover I immediately assumed it wouldn't be very good.
But I won't lie it wasn't that great. It wasn't as nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be though. This book was definitely interesting, it has a good idea behind it but the overall book is way confusing. Half the time I couldn't tell who was speaking and what was happening. Also I switch between who is speaking in the book and the narrator.
I would recommend this book though maybe two younger kids, who would have this Book read to them.
This book is about a girl named Cara who lives with her grandma, but decides to go to New York and live with her dad and two brothers. It also follows Jake who is afraid to say anything because of his horrible stutter and his best friend Ugeane. It follows them through their life, school, and family problems. All who end up rocking the school singing show. Which was defiantly not what they expected.
But I won't lie it wasn't that great. It wasn't as nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be though. This book was definitely interesting, it has a good idea behind it but the overall book is way confusing. Half the time I couldn't tell who was speaking and what was happening. Also I switch between who is speaking in the book and the narrator.
I would recommend this book though maybe two younger kids, who would have this Book read to them.
This book is about a girl named Cara who lives with her grandma, but decides to go to New York and live with her dad and two brothers. It also follows Jake who is afraid to say anything because of his horrible stutter and his best friend Ugeane. It follows them through their life, school, and family problems. All who end up rocking the school singing show. Which was defiantly not what they expected.
September 16, 2015
For this book I read “Lucky Stars” by Lucy Frank. I didn’t adore this book, but I still found it pretty likeable. Although it was confusing, it told a story that really did intrigue me.
A stray duck and a music teacher show three middle-school kids how to find their very own voices. Kira has a beautiful voice that her unemployed musician father abuses by having sing in the subway with her family. Kira refuses to sing not only in the subway, but everywhere else. Jake is a good student, but cuts classes to avoid the embarrassment of his stutter. Jake and his best friend Eugene get together with Kira when they rescue a stray duck in a snowstorm. But as Kira and Jake become more than friends, Eugene’s friendship with Jake may be threatened.
The book is filled with excitement, embarrassment, and love, which will make you really dive right into the book. If you are a John Green kind of reader, I recommend this book to you. You definitely will thank your lucky stars when you read this stellar book.
A stray duck and a music teacher show three middle-school kids how to find their very own voices. Kira has a beautiful voice that her unemployed musician father abuses by having sing in the subway with her family. Kira refuses to sing not only in the subway, but everywhere else. Jake is a good student, but cuts classes to avoid the embarrassment of his stutter. Jake and his best friend Eugene get together with Kira when they rescue a stray duck in a snowstorm. But as Kira and Jake become more than friends, Eugene’s friendship with Jake may be threatened.
The book is filled with excitement, embarrassment, and love, which will make you really dive right into the book. If you are a John Green kind of reader, I recommend this book to you. You definitely will thank your lucky stars when you read this stellar book.
April 18, 2008
Kira moves to New York City to live with her father hoping that life there will be better than with her mother. Unfortunately she finds that the singing job he has arranged for her is singing in the subway while simultaneously keeping track of her two stepbrothers. Much to her dismay “house” where she is to live with her dad is a dilapidated basement apartment. Eventually Kira begins attending middle school with Jake and his best friend Eugene, fellow ostracized students. Together they join the school’s chorus and find a place to belong and celebrate being friends.
I had enjoyed all of the books by Franks that I have read, including this one. I did find the dad’s role in this book disturbing though as the book continued I did become more sympathetic. The resiliency of kids is certainly demonstrated in this story as is the value of finding true friends.
I had enjoyed all of the books by Franks that I have read, including this one. I did find the dad’s role in this book disturbing though as the book continued I did become more sympathetic. The resiliency of kids is certainly demonstrated in this story as is the value of finding true friends.
January 29, 2009
Wow. Such a sweet book.
Things I liked: It was about music and as yall know, music is my life. I really liked how it switched points of view every few chapters, between the main characters; Kira, Jake, and Eugene. It helped you understand what they're thinking and how they act the way they do A LOT better. I also liked how it's not completely a happy book. There's a lot of really emotional/sad parts and that's what made Lucky Stars such an interesting book to read.
Thing I didn't like: How there were SO many problems. It seemed like there was a new problem like every few chapters and I think that's just way too much.
Recommend: To anybody. Boys and girls. Especially those who love music, like me!
Overall: It was a really good book and I enjoyed reading it!
Things I liked: It was about music and as yall know, music is my life. I really liked how it switched points of view every few chapters, between the main characters; Kira, Jake, and Eugene. It helped you understand what they're thinking and how they act the way they do A LOT better. I also liked how it's not completely a happy book. There's a lot of really emotional/sad parts and that's what made Lucky Stars such an interesting book to read.
Thing I didn't like: How there were SO many problems. It seemed like there was a new problem like every few chapters and I think that's just way too much.
Recommend: To anybody. Boys and girls. Especially those who love music, like me!
Overall: It was a really good book and I enjoyed reading it!
February 10, 2008
This is a really good book by Lucy Frank. It's about three different kids who all have one thing in common; they sing. Kira is living with her father, who wants her to sing for money in the subway. Jake loves to sing, but has a stutter that he wants to hide. Eugene is a "class clown" who sings badly and knows it, but Ms. Hill, the music teacher, has hopes for him, and recognizes just how good he can be. They all come to understand eachother, and go through good and bad times together. It is a book about friendship, singing, and the struggles and happiness of teenage life. I thought this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to others.
December 14, 2009
This book was interesting in terms of having the thoughts of one girl and two boys and on the same topic which is music. From chapters to chapters the characters would switch from point of views. As you read on the character seems funnier and funnier but even though this is a happy and funny book there were some parts where it was serious. The main characters are Kira, Jake and Eugene and they all dont like to sing in public but their music teacher thinks they have talent.
August 16, 2016
I found myself really enjoying reading this book. I read the summary on the back of the book, but it didn't seem to the book justice. The book switches between the three kid's points-of-views and how each one has their own life going on besides when they are together. I found the author putting what could be real-life situations into her story and how her characters overcome obstacles and learn to work with what they have.
June 23, 2009
I read this book so I could lead a children's book discussion. The story was really true-to-life. I was happy when the main characters started attending the chorus. The sub-story about the duck was cute, but a little unbelievable. The character, Russell, the dad, had some very mixed-up ideas about life. This book should make for an interesting discussion.
October 22, 2009
i really liked it it was about this girl who was with her grandma and came to vivsit her dad for awhile and ends up living with him.So she meets these two boys Eugene,a person who always makes stupid remarks that make, and Jake,who stutters when he talks and is always embarrassed and used to skip english class and met the girl in the subway since the girl's dad didn't have a job.
April 16, 2012
This book revolved around music and the view points of one girl and two boys.
(Kira, Jake and Eugene.)(They're singers, talented singers.)
It's cool yet sometimes annoying how the character view points change after each chapter.
But it's very funny and full of laughs with a hint of seriousness on the side.
A recommended book for teenagers.
October 25, 2012
3 very different kids with very different struggles find that friendship and music (singing) can help them cope. I liked the sections about their music class most of all. Also enjoyed the humorous parts about the pet duck, and other typical examples of middle school angst and melodrama. Convincingly written.
July 5, 2009
Really good, better than I expected it. I really liked how... there was a lot of humor, comedy, and they all sing... sort of. A great book of friendship, and a funny ending.
A bit confusing if you don't read the titles of the chapters.
A bit confusing if you don't read the titles of the chapters.
August 15, 2012
For kids who love "Glee" or who are superstars in waiting, this book follows the lives of three middle schoolers who discover the ups and downs of friendship, first love, and surviving glee club.
AR Level 3.3
AR Points 8
AR Level 3.3
AR Points 8
June 14, 2016
Really, really, awesome. It describes a new world for you, as well as providing an interesting story to go along with it. I liked how realistic the situations were.
November 27, 2008
Mychael Rose told me this book was great and it was. I wish the chapters switched between characters more evenly though. But, it was still a great story with humor and description.
February 28, 2011
I got this book because I love music, but it didn't grasp my attention. It had a slow start. All in all, OK book. Definitely not my favorite.
August 27, 2010
I loved this book, it is about rising above issues such as poverty or disabilities and becoming who you want to be through talent.
January 22, 2011
It's about three kids who can sing. It's really good.
May 10, 2011
just started but i love it!!
April 15, 2011
Lucy Frank writes modern awesome
August 16, 2011
It could have been better :(
February 15, 2013
it was ok. it definitely wasn't make favorite book ever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews