LUCKY MISCHIEF

Again, as in River Treasure (1947), the author presents a very human real picture of a young Negro boy, his family and their life in North Carolina's Occoneechee Neck farm country. Allen's happiness is spoiled when Bailey comes to live in the Neck for Bailey puts all of Allen's accomplishments in the shade -- he can outdare, outspell, outfight Allen; Allen loses his chance to compete in the new 4-H project when their cow's calf dies. But a brave act wins him a calf of his own, and the threat of an escaped convict's hiding out adds a touch of mystery and excitement, particularly since Bailey seems to have an unwarranted interest in the hunted man. With his calf, Lucky, winning the Fat Stock Show, Allen finds the basis of real friendship with Bailey, who helps him capture the convict and who is permanently reunited with his law-officer father. Upper ages in this group will enjoy not only the story but the completely believable children and adults, and absorb the wholesome picture of Negro life.