Hard Luck

Reviewed by Anonymous

Hard Luck follows Greg as his social world changes and he tries to cope with uncertainty, friendship troubles, and the desire to improve his situation. The book’s themes include resilience, loneliness, self-interest, and the sometimes uncomfortable process of growing up. Its diary format, cartoons, short chapters, and comic exaggeration make it inviting for middle-grade readers and reluctant readers. The strongest element is the contrast between Greg’s confident explanations and the consequences of his choices. A mild limitation is that the humor can soften problems that some readers may wish were explored more deeply.