Lucky Cap

Gr 4—7—The summer before Enzo enters middle school he has "the most amazingest trip in the history of time," courtesy of his dad's new job with Kap, a major sportswear company. He spends a month staying in hotels, getting tips from pro athletes, and wearing the latest and greatest gear, including a one-of-a-kind prototype cap. Enzo believes that it is responsible for his amazing trip and his subsequent run of good luck upon starting school. He is nominated for class president, makes the basketball team, and is more popular than he ever imagined. His swift ascension to success and popularity isn't faultless, as he ditches his immature best friend almost immediately for someone he thinks is cooler. But overall, though, things are great, until the cap disappears. Suddenly, his luck turns and Enzo becomes desperate to find it before his life spirals out of control. Short chapters and plenty of humorous dialogue and descriptions keep the story moving at a quick pace. Enzo tries to figure out his identity and how to do what's right. The narrative also touches briefly on issues of marketing and branding, which could make for an interesting discussion. Enzo certainly has his flaws, and they make him a believable character whose voice will ring true with children even when they don't agree with his choices.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL