The Luck Uglies
#1 of 3 in The Luck Uglies Series
What’s inside...
The Luck Uglies is the first in a series that has been hailed as a modern classic. The story follows Rye O'Chanter, a young girl living in the village of Drowning, where children are chased, families are fined for non-existent laws, and girls are forbidden from reading. When Rye has a terrifying encounter that convinces her the monstrous Bog Noblins have returned, she discovers that the only way to defeat them is with the help of the exiled Luck Uglies. As Rye delves into the village's secrets and legends, she questions everything she's been told and realizes it may take a villain to save them from the monsters. The book has received critical acclaim, won several awards, and offers an irresistible mix of adventure, secrets, friendship, and magic.
Character compass
Rye O'Chanter
Quinn Quartermast
Lottie O'Chanter
Abby O'Chanter
Harmless
Earl Longchance
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Luck Uglies different from the other characters in the book?
How would you feel if you were in Rye's situation? What would you have done differently?
What do you think is the importance of rules in Drowning? Are they fair, or would you change them?
How do the characters in the book show courage or bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What role do you think friendship and trust play in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story. Ask them to relate the characters' experiences to their own lives. Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ask what your child would have done in similar situations. Highlight the significance of themes like bravery and friendship, fostering empathy and understanding towards the characters. Use the book's mystical elements to spark creativity, asking your child how they would imagine their own magical world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and courage
Explanation: In 'The Luck Uglies', the protagonist, Rye, demonstrates remarkable bravery as she confronts dangers to protect her family and community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for what is right and face challenges with courage, even when they feel scared.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Rye relies on her friends and learns the importance of trust in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of building and maintaining trustful relationships and working together with others.
Example Lesson: The power of questioning authority
Explanation: Rye often questions the decisions of those in power and seeks the truth, promoting independent thinking and justice.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically about rules and authority, and to respectfully question them when necessary to seek fairness and justice.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in 'The Luck Uglies' face various consequences based on their actions which illustrates the cause and effect nature of their decisions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have consequences, teaching them to consider the possible outcomes before acting.