LUCKY BROKEN GIRL, by Ruth Behar

The story: Ruthie has just made it out of the "dumb class" (where she was put until she could speak English) when a terrible accident lands her in a body cast for almost a year. Immobilized, she finds friends in books and other unexpected places, discovers a talent for art, and realizes that she really can do hard things.

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG (drunk drivers cause the accident that injures her); Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: Although well written and with a keen eye for the immigrant experiences, this one is best for grades 4-5. Ruthie is ten, and in fifth grade. Skip for MS libraries.