ABOUT THE SUMMER OF L.U.C.K. TRILOGY
Laura Segal Stegman’s middle grade trilogy of books from Young Dragons Press, all set at a summer camp, begins with Summer of L.U.C.K. (2022), which introduces Darby (11), Naz (10), and Justin (12), three struggling kids who find their way to self-acceptance with the help of Leroy Usher, a ghost who haunts a magical carnival. Ready or Not (2023) spins more magical adventures with the three friends and the ghostly Mr. Usher, but it spotlights Justin (13), who faces a tricky real-life choice: stand up to bigotry or let fear hold him back. In The Chambered Nautilus (2024), Justin (14), Naz (12), and Darby (13) are drawing apart. But when the popular new Chambered Nautilus attraction goes awry, shutting the carnival down, and the ghostly Mr. Usher issues a desperate plea, they must come together as they realize he’s always been there for them. Can they do the same for him?
“Ready or Not, Laura Stegman’s sequel to Summer of L.U.C.K., is filled with twists, turns, magic, time travel, and a healthy dose of courage from its deeply authentic cast of characters. Middle grade readers will be captivated by Leroy Usher, a ghostly, enigmatic, and quite magical carnival owner whose mysterious past is uncovered by the loveable but down-on-his-luck protagonist, Justin. Surprise and intrigue abound in this page-turning delight of a novel!”
— Frank Morelli, author of On the Way to Birdland and No Sad Songs.
“Ready or Not—Summer of L.U.C.K. 2 is a thoroughly captivating tale featuring epic friendships and mysterious time-travel adventures. I loved this richly imagined story where the children learn to find the courage to stand up for what is right—even if it’s not always the easiest thing to do. The perfect summer camp story!”
— Colette Sewall, author of Kiki MacAdoo and the Graveyard Ballerinas
“Another summer of ‘L.U.C.K.’ and great camp adventures! The second book in the Summer of L.U.C.K. series is as enchanting as the first. Stegman’s telepathic kids re-encounter a mysterious, fantasy world where a ghost and a magic carnival help them deal with real world problems like bullies.”
— Roslyn Muir, author, The Chimera’s Apprentice
“Ready or Not is a wonderful follow-up to Summer of L.U.C.K. The book’s main characters, Justin, Darby, and Naz, are complex and likeable. This middle-grade novel not only has a fun storyline, it also deals with issues tweens deal with in their daily lives. Fans of the first novel are sure to love this great sequel.”
— Stephenie Wilson Peterson, author, Small Fry
“There is nothing more inviting than a book about summer camp, friendship and a little carnival magic.”
— Bonnie Grover, teacher-librarian, Scholastic 2017 Teacher Advisor
“Laura Segal Stegman weaves a delightful multi-layer story of friendship, summer camp life, and just enough magic to keep the attention of middle-school readers.”
— Cheryl Schuermann, author, A Boy Called Preacher
