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A Whole Lot of Lucky
by
Danette Haworth (Goodreads Author)
Hailee Richardson never realized how much she hated her Salvation Army life and Goodwill accessories until the night her family wins the lottery. All of a sudden she's no longer the only girl at school without a cell phone or a brand-new bike! And the newfound popularity that comes with being a lottery winner is just what she's always dreamed of. But the glow of her smartp...more
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published
September 4th 2012
by Walker Childrens
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**Putting a special star next to this one for my friends who teach 5th-7th grade because this novel has one of those pitch-perfect middle school voices that don't come along all that often. Watch for it in September!**
When Hailee's family wins the lottery, she makes a list of all the things she wants...no, NEEDS, now that they're not pinching pennies any more. New bike...mansion...the usual. But the reality of those winning numbers is different than Hailee expected it would be. A couple million...more
When Hailee's family wins the lottery, she makes a list of all the things she wants...no, NEEDS, now that they're not pinching pennies any more. New bike...mansion...the usual. But the reality of those winning numbers is different than Hailee expected it would be. A couple million...more
"A Whole Lot of Lucky" by Danette Haworth includes many of the tried and true themes for middle grade readers that grace her other books, including "The Summer of Moonlight Secrets" and "Me & Jack." Themes like friendship, fitting in, and family are especially important to readers at that age.
Haworth creates a perfect main character. Hailee Richardson, her baby sister, and their parents live a life where new clothes come from Goodwill and bicycles are bought second-hand. When Hailee borrows...more
Haworth creates a perfect main character. Hailee Richardson, her baby sister, and their parents live a life where new clothes come from Goodwill and bicycles are bought second-hand. When Hailee borrows...more
Hailee's family is doing okay-- her father has a rug cleaning business and her mother delivers newspapers. This is enough to keep Hailee and her baby sister in thrift store clothes, but not enough for things like new bicycles. When her father buys a winning lottery ticket, the family is not entirely sure how to proceed with the three million dollars, but is cautious. The mother quits her job, but the father keeps his. There are no new bikes, but there are a few new clothes. Most importantly, Hai...more
When Hailee Richardson's parents win the lottery, she thinks her whole life is going to change. But her parents don't quit their jobs and don't run out to buy her new clothes and toys. The only thing they do is send her to local private school Magnolia Academy, away from her best friend.
But soon enough Hailee's talked her parents into buying her a new bike and a smartphone, and she begins to fit in at Magnolia. She joins the Library Club with her neighbor Emily, who turns out to be cooler than s...more
But soon enough Hailee's talked her parents into buying her a new bike and a smartphone, and she begins to fit in at Magnolia. She joins the Library Club with her neighbor Emily, who turns out to be cooler than s...more
I love the synopsis of this book! This book is a must read for me. It sounds like it has its unhappy moments, and then the hilarious moments, and I could sure use a great book like this to help me realize, actually what everyone should realize:What ever your situation in life is, rich, poor, middle-class, friendless, too many friends any life, that we should never take it for granted and wish for something better because really...life as you know is the best thing you could ever dream of.
6th-grader Hailee Richardson navigates a new school, new friendships, and a new life after her parents win 3 million dollars in the Lottery.
This middle-grade novel does an excellent job portraying changing middle-school relationships and complicated tween responsibilities. It will get kids thinking about materialism and wondering just how far 3 million dollars can go. I especially liked the subplot regarding Hailee's obsession with her smartphone, texting, and Facebook--this part of the storylin...more
This middle-grade novel does an excellent job portraying changing middle-school relationships and complicated tween responsibilities. It will get kids thinking about materialism and wondering just how far 3 million dollars can go. I especially liked the subplot regarding Hailee's obsession with her smartphone, texting, and Facebook--this part of the storylin...more
A Whole Lot of Lucky was a good middle grade novel. The story focuses on a girl named Hailee. She becomes sick of always having second hand things. Especially when it comes to her three dollar bike. Needless to say when her parents win the lottery, she is ecstatic. However, when she tries to become as popular as the rich kids, she starts to lose who she really is. This book teaches an important lesson to it’s readers. No matter how great things get, don’t forget where you came from. The book als...more
Oct 01, 2012
Sandy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
bullying,
communities,
family,
friendship,
humor,
mg-fiction,
money,
realistic-current,
school-story
Hailey's first person voice (attitude, expressions, partially formed value system, EVERYTHING) is spot on for someone her age and circumstances, although they are truly not typical. Living a low-end-of-middle class-scraping-by life, her family suddenly wins the lottery. Her take on it- RICH! Her responsible parents' take on the 'modest' winnings is good stewardship, security, education.
Hailey's growth in a few months time would seem unlikely, but these are unusual experiences, and bailey is tru...more
Hailey's growth in a few months time would seem unlikely, but these are unusual experiences, and bailey is tru...more
Kate m gave it 5
Danette Haworth has done it again!
Her writing is so exciting and poignant. I loved Hailee's story and I can't wait for my girls to get a few years older so they can enjoy it too.
One of my favorite descriptions was on page 187:
"When a boy touches your cheek, his fingertips leave glittery paths of sparkles and happiness across your skin and somehow these sparkles bubble up to your brain and you feel as if you are floating. Even though Matthew was swatting a bug off my face, this is what it felt li...more
Her writing is so exciting and poignant. I loved Hailee's story and I can't wait for my girls to get a few years older so they can enjoy it too.
One of my favorite descriptions was on page 187:
"When a boy touches your cheek, his fingertips leave glittery paths of sparkles and happiness across your skin and somehow these sparkles bubble up to your brain and you feel as if you are floating. Even though Matthew was swatting a bug off my face, this is what it felt li...more
Hailee's tired of wearing hand-me-down clothes, riding a rusty boy's bike, and being treated poorly by the popular kids at her school. When her parents win the lottery, her life changes, but not necessarily in all of the ways that she would have hoped. Because of the money, she is able to go to a new school and she gets a cell phone. These two changes have a huge effect on her as she tries to fit in with a different group of kids. Hailee is faced with choices on who she should be friends with, a...more
A solid middle-grade novel about a struggling family winning the lottery. There were a lot of laughs in this book and while the plot was somewhat predictable, it was told in a very relatable and age-appropriate way. There is an underlying Christian theme in the book which is not heavy handed and lends a uniqueness to it that I found refreshing.
Definitely geared towards girls 4th grade to probably 7th/8th.
Definitely geared towards girls 4th grade to probably 7th/8th.
Hailee Richardson only wishes her family had money. She hates wearing clothes that come from Goodwill or the Army and Navy Store. She longs for the fancy bike, smart phone, computers and other gadgets her classmates have.
When her family wins the lottery and suddenly has money her life is turned up side down.
Haliee learns the hard way that money doesn't buy happiness.
When her family wins the lottery and suddenly has money her life is turned up side down.
Haliee learns the hard way that money doesn't buy happiness.
Hailee Richardson's parents have just won the lottery. Formerly poor, this is a big adjustment for Hailee, but one she takes to immediately. She struggles with a new school, newfound popularity, friends, and mean girls. I really enjoy Haworth's voice and can't wait to share with some of my girls.
Strong, realistic 6th grade girl voice. Lottery winning family, private school, bad girls, smartphones and facebook. I just wasn't that fond of the protagonist.
4 1/2 stars, actually. But are middle school girls really this mean?!
Me: I LOVE this book!
Son: You wrote it.
Me: I LOVE this book!
Son: You wrote it.
Me: I LOVE this book!
May 29, 2012
Stefanie Wass
marked it as to-read
Can't wait to read this one!
Comes out in Sept, 2012.
Comes out in Sept, 2012.
SM
Overall, a fairly accurate depiction of middle school girls...plenty of "teachable" moments that provided a great conversation starter with my daughter.
Just didn't hold my attention.
Cute wholesome story about the value of friendship.
Enjoyed this book not only because it dealt with social status, middle school girls, and the reliance of kids on their phones and facebook, but because I felt like I was in the middle of the conversations and activity taking place. A good choice for girls looking for a pleasant read. They might even learn something by seeing life from another girls perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed this satisfying novel. The voice of the middle school characters is spot-on. I love the tightly poetic use of metaphor and the contemporary content that will make this a favorite among young readers, I'm sure. The delicate thread of faith is so well done. Hailee and her friends are realistic characters, and Hailee's growth is believable. Loved it!
Apr 14, 2013
Krusha
added it
amazing
What would you do if your family won the lottery? Would it change your life? Would you let it change YOU? Another winner from Danette Haworth.
Fantastic book. Vivid descriptions and writing that keeps you engaged throughout. Would recommend for middle school aged girls (or parents of.)
Mar 10, 2013
Barbara Wilkins
added it
I thought it was very good and realistic.
May 17, 2013
Karen
marked it as to-read
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Jan 14, 2013 09:12pm