Cassie finds her inner strength through experiencing heartbreaking events. The Lucky Place begins at a horse racetrack, where Cassie, age three, and her brother Jamie, age five, accompany their father on a drinking and betting spree. As she goes with him to make yet another bet, her hand slips out of his and she loses him. When Cassie has been delivered safely home, Cassie's mother is angry and Cassie vows never to lose Daddy again. But before long, Mama has had enough of Cassie's father. She introduces Cassie and Jamie to Ellis. Cassie's father slowly exits from her life as Ellis enters it, eventually becoming her stepfather. Her father continues to pop in and out of her life unexpectedly, while Ellis provides a stable, loving home. Just when life seems pretty wonderful, Ellis is diagnosed with cancer. He takes the family on a summer-long camping trip where he spends time with Cassie. From early childhood to early adolescence, her experiences with both fathers generate conflict and loss and help Cassie discover that her true lucky place is within herself.

 

There are 232 pages in this book. This book was published 2008 by Boyds Mills Press .

Zu Vincent holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. She is a former senior editor of the art magazine Expressions and has produced book-length nonfiction as well as short stories, a play, and numerous feature articles and photos for various newspapers and national magazines. She lives on the edge of California's Irish Wilderness.