The Real Lucky Charm - Softcover

Charisse K. Richardson, an avid sports fan since she was a child, uses sports to capture the reading interests of children. She is a member of the NBA Read to Achieve All-Star Reading Team. Charisse, a former Corporate Communications Manager, graduated from Howard University and received her MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to writing, she conducts motivational workshops designed to encourage youth to strive for success in the game of life. She lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia.

Grade 2-5–Readers were introduced to 10-year-old African-American twins Mia and Marcus in Richardson's The Real Slam Dunk (EnRich, 2002). Here, Mia and her friend Gabbie decide to try out for the new girls' basketball team. When not enough players sign up, they become part of a new coed team. When Mia plays particularly well, she begins to believe that her father's gift of a new charm for her bracelet is bringing her luck, not only in basketball, but also with her schoolwork. She slackens up in her practice and studies, depending instead on her lucky piece. When she loses it, she also loses her confidence on the court, doesn't score well on her spelling test, and is convinced that the missing charm is the cause. As the story progresses, she learns to trust her abilities and efforts to accomplish her goals. Supported by occasional attractive black-and-white drawings, this short, family-oriented sports story will capture the interest of beginning chapter-book readers as well as reluctant readers. Its message is simple and straightforward, as summed up by Mia's father–Once you start believing in yourself again and not that charm, you'll be just fine.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
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