#108 The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had

Dit is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new postmaster because he has heard that the family has a son just his age. He envisions a great friend to play baseball, go on adventures and enjoy the summer with. Imagine his surprise when the family moves to town and Emma arrives. Emma is a bookworm - a shy, quiet know-it-all who doesn't seem at all interested in playing baseball or joining Dit on his adventures.

Eventually, however, she begins to join him, and he finds that the two of them are able to have a little fun (even if she can't catch a ball or take fish off of a hook!)

In 1917 Dit and Emma think the biggest difference between them is that he's a boy and she's a girl, but many of the people who live in their little town see a much bigger difference than that. You see, Emma is black, and in 1917 that causes people to treat her unfairly.

Big things happen when the town barber is accused of a horrendous crime and Emma and Dit are determined to prove that he is innocent. There is much to learn about good and evil, and about black and white. Above all, though, is the friendship that Dit and Emma develop - turning what could have been the worst summer of his life into one filled with adventure and friendship.

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had was Kristin Levine's first book for middle grade students. I certainly hope it won't be her last!