Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Lucky 13 by Aric DeLaney is about Wade, a 13-year-old boy who faces daily challenges. The story opens with him running through a field to get to school, only to have a run-in with Dedra, his daily tormentor, also known as the local bully. He doesn’t find any solace at home either—his father is often absent while chasing get-rich-quick schemes, while his mother has her own demons to battle. Wade feels like a bit of an outsider, but he does have a couple of friends, Bianca and Steven, who share his love of video games and magic tricks, as well as somewhat similar personal struggles and a desire to belong. One day, after a brutal encounter with Dedra, they stumble upon a mysterious coin, and their world takes an unexpected turn. They are led into a series of adventures filled with secrets and danger, with an element of the supernatural.

Ultimately, this is a coming-of-age tale, a story about found family, loyalty, courage, and resilience, with a touch of magic mixed in. Lucky 13 by Aric DeLaney is relatable, and I appreciated how the story began with the encounter with the town bully, Dedra, because it showed what his life was like daily and didn’t sugarcoat anything. Wade’s journey from isolation to belonging will have young readers rooting for him, the apparent underdog, and believing that even the seemingly most unlucky person can find hope, friendship, and a bit of magic. The blend of realistic challenges with fantastical elements creates a unique and captivating narrative that truly stands out.