Lucy: For All the Marbles by Dick Franklin is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in 1958 Bakersfield, California, that chronicles the journey of a young girl named Lucy as she navigates a world of personal loss, new friendships, and budding passions. After losing her father, a war hero, Lucy and her mother struggle to adapt to their modest trailer life, facing financial hardships and social challenges at school. Despite feeling like an outsider, Lucy finds peace in her love for marbles, guided by a wise and kind mentor, Mister Nico. Through her perseverance and the support of new friends, she learns valuable lessons about self-confidence, friendship, and grit. Lucy's resolve to master the game of marbles becomes a metaphor for her broader journey to find her place in a changing world, culminating in her victory at a regional tournament and newfound understanding of her strength.

I enjoyed the first-person narrative voice that makes Lucy’s point of view appealing. It is expertly delivered, allowing glimpses of Lucy’s inner world and psyche. Lucy, her caring mother, the stern but kind Mister Nico, and her new friend Maggie Mae are vividly drawn characters. With its trailer park, school, and local landmarks, the Bakersfield setting provides an authentic backdrop highlighting the simplicity of 1950s small-town life. The central conflict revolves around Lucy’s desire to prove herself in a boys’ game and her struggle against social prejudices and teasing. I loved how Dick Franklin masterfully explores themes of gender roles, determination, and the importance of community support. The prose is crisp, the characters unforgettable, and the plotting deft. This immersive coming-of-age is character-driven and inspiring in its themes.

In Lucy: For All The Marbles, Lucy had lost her father less than a year ago, and her mother decided to move them to another town. Lucy worried that she'd be an outcast and that friendships would already be established. Unfortunately, she struggled with the teasing of the other kids and was isolated from everyone because she was the new kid. Soon, though, another new girl named Maggie Mae is introduced as the latest girl in her class, and Lucy is over the moon. The two girls immediately become friends, and things don’t seem as lonely. Lucy finds herself interested in the game of marbles and how all the boys would play it at recess. The leader of this group of boys is Johnny, who has his ideas on who should play, and girls, especially Lucy, aren’t welcome. Wanting to prove them wrong, she begins practicing after school and meets Mr. Nico, an elderly man who is more than willing to teach her the game. With her new secret weapon, she is ready to show Johnny just how easily a girl could beat him at his own game. All she needed was to get through the door, and for him to accept the challenge.

I thought Lucy: For All The Marbles was a great read and that Dick Franklin has done a good job with this book. I really loved the main character and how realistic and relatable she was. As a kid who was moved from school to school, having to start over, I understood her struggles in trying to make new friends. I found it accurate from a historical perspective, given how roles for females and males were more important, being this was set in the late 1950s. I found myself not wanting to put it down! Overall, I recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more of Dick Franklin’s work.