Cover design by @novellapixel
Cover illustrations by @theminaprice
A hilarious and poignant reflection on what money can and cannot fix
58,643,129. That’s how many dollars seventeen-year-old Fortuna Jane Belleweather just won in the lotto jackpot. It’s also about how many reasons she has for not coming forward to claim her prize.
Problem #1: Jane is still a minor, and if anyone discovers she bought the ticket underage, she’ll either have to forfeit the ticket, or worse…
Problem #2: Let her hoarder mother cash it. The last thing Jane’s mom needs is millions of dollars to buy more junk. Then…
Problem #3: Jane’s best friend, aspiring journalist Brandon Kim, declares on the news that he’s going to find the lucky winner. It’s one thing to keep her secret from the town, it’s another thing entirely to lie to her best friend. Especially when…
Problem #4: Jane’s ex-boyfriend, Holden, is suddenly back in her life, and he has big ideas about what he’d do with the prize money.
As suspicion and jealousy turn neighbor against neighbor, and no good options for cashing the ticket come forward, Jane begins to wonder: Could this much money actually be a bad thing?
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PRAISE
“A sweet, thoughtful, and quick romp, perfect for readers wanting some laughs while also looking for answers to some of life’s biggest questions about love, death, self-worth, and, of course, money.” – School Library Journal
“This contemporary novel remains wonderfully true to its world and its characters throughout.” — Booklist
“Readers who think they know exactly what they’d do if millions of dollars landed in their lap will think again after reading Pacton’s thoughtful novel.” — BookPage
“An enjoyable story of family, friends, and failed first love.” – Kirkus
“To say that this book hit me out of the blue would be a gross understatement. Here I was, thinking I could read a chapter of this before going to bed and boom, it’s three hours later and I have a new YA contemporary favourite….Lucky Girl encompasses everything I want and need in a good YA contemporary—fast-paced narration without forfeiting fleshing out characters, conundrums that make you think about your own choices in life, and plunging into emotional topics that will have you reeling.” ―The Nerd Daily
“Lucky Girl is for every person who has ever felt unable to help those they love, stuck and yearning for a better life, and unwilling to give up on themself – or others.” -Noelle Salazar, USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls
“This emotionally complex book is a gorgeous portrayal of small-town life, complicated family relationships, mental health, grief, and friendship that will make you question the concept of ‘good luck.’” —Bookish/NetGalley’s 2021’s Must-Read YA Novels According to YA Authors
“With heart, humor, and honesty, Lucky Girl explores what it truly means to have enough. Jamie Pacton has written another smart, relatable heroine readers will root for to the last page (and beyond!).” ―Joy McCullough, author of Blood Water Paint
“With a fresh take on the many forms of love and grief, Pacton brings readers a unique dramedy about a girl and her lotto ticket.” ―Jennifer Dugan, author of Hot Dog Girl and Verona Comics
