The number 13 gets a bad rap all the time. Poor 13 is considered unlucky, especially when it falls on a Friday.
But it is the last time we’ll see a Friday the 13th in 2012 so no more worries for this year at least.
Is there such a thing as luck? Lots of children I know think so. And luck, superstition, and talismans find their way into children’s books.
The loquacious canine, Martha, becomes convinced that the accidents started when she walked under a ladder in Good Luck Martha , part of the Martha Speaks series (HMH) by Susan Meddaugh.
For all of his bad luck in Fortunately (Aladdin), a modern classic by Remy Charlip, Ned experiences something quite fortunate — including successfully arriving at his own birthday celebration after a series of unfortunate events.
Janet Wong poetically takes on myriad superstitions in Knock on Wood (McElderry). The topics and poems vary in tone from slyly humorous to slightly spooky — but all sure to start discussion about beliefs.
Even Judy Moody has her good-luck penny — or not — in Megan McDonald’s forthcoming book about the much-loved 3rd grader, Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm (Candlewick). Could Judy’s lucky charm have changed into something quite different?
I do wish I could have come up with 13 books for the occasion but alas, I came up short. Too bad. It might have been interesting. No matter though. All days — including Friday the 13th — can be lucky when they include good reading!
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
July 13, 2012