The Lucky Ones

Set at a luxurious summer house off Long Island Sound, Greene’s well-observed novel is part period piece, part coming-of-age story. The “lucky ones” are the protagonist, 12-year-old Cecile, and her siblings, who take their privileged lives for granted. But this summer Cecile begins to be less certain of herself and her family. Cecile recoils when her older sister kisses a boy the sister doesn’t particularly like (“What’s the big deal?” Natalie responds. “It’s only practice”). She doesn’t understand why her mother flirts with her childhood buddy, King, even when Natalie explains she’s “giving Dad the business” for sending their older brother off to a summer job in Canada. But eventually Cecile, too, interacts with boys and buys her first party dress (and bra), and starts considering what kind of woman she will be. Despite details that place the story in the past (the sisters borrow their mother’s rouge), the story is not grounded in a clear time period. While older readers will be compelled by Cecile’s strong voice, the emphasis on mood may lose the target audience. Ages 10–14. (Sept.)