The Lucky List
on Goodreads (15,761)
What’s inside...
Emily and her mum were always lucky. But Emily’s mum’s luck ran out three years ago when she succumbed to cancer, and nothing has felt right since. Now, the summer before her senior year, things are worse than ever – Emily has wrecked things with her boyfriend, Matt, and her dad is selling the house she grew up in and giving her mum’s belongings away. The only person she has to talk to is Blake, a girl she barely knows since she and her dad moved back to town five seconds ago. But that’s when Emily finds the list – her mum’s senior year summer bucket list – buried in the back of her closet. When Blake suggests that Emily take it on as a challenge, the two set off on a journey to tick each box and help Emily face her fears over losing her connection to her mum. As she starts to feel closer to her mother, so too does Emily’s bond with Blake deepen into something she wasn't expecting. And suddenly Emily must face another fear: accepting the secret part of herself she never got a chance to share with the person who knew her best.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Emily's relationship with her mom change throughout the story and how do you think it affected her journey of self-discovery?
What role do you think Blake played in Emily's exploration of her identity? Can a friend influence personal growth?
The list Emily finds is full of tasks her mother wanted to complete at her age. If you had a similar list, what would be one thing you'd want to include on it?
Emily faces many challenges but also finds moments of joy and understanding. Can you recall a moment in the book where you felt proud of Emily's decisions?
How does the theme of embracing change and finding oneself resonate with you? Can you relate to any of Emily's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own perspective or a similar personal experience related to themes in 'The Lucky List', making the conversation relatable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, acknowledging their insights with positive reinforcement.
Discuss the changes Emily's character goes through and ask your child whether they have observed similar changes in themselves or others.
Explore the importance of friendship and support systems in personal growth, as seen with Emily and Blake, to emphasize the value of connections.
Connect the book's setting and situations to real-world contexts, enhancing comprehension and relatability of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through personal challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Emily, navigates the complexities of grief, new relationships, and self-discovery after her mother's death.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cope with personal losses and embrace change, understanding it as a part of life.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Emily relies on her friends for support and understanding, which helps her handle her emotional struggles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining strong friendships to support emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Emily undertakes a transformative journey where she learns to accept and love herself for who she is.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their unique identities and fosters a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Exploring new experiences
Explanation: Emily steps out of her comfort zone by fulfilling her late mother’s list, which includes many first-time experiences.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to try new activities and learn from them, promoting a growth mindset.