Isabel’s throat swelled up with emotion. “Charlotte…this is your first paycheck for writing. It’s too much.”
Charlotte shook her head. “If I’ve learned anything in the last few days it’s that the support and love of friends is much more important than money. Money is only worth something when it can be spent on the good of all,” Charlotte said.
Marty jumped in her lap and yapped loudly.
“See? Even Marty agrees,” Charlotte said with a laugh.
Isabel hugged Charlotte. “Thank you,” she whispered. “This means so much.”
Soon the other three joined in.
“Group hugs for all,” Maeve cheered.
“It’s all for one,” Avery shouted.
“And one for all,” Katani finished.
“Yap! Yap!” Marty barked.
The BSG were back in business.
“OH, before I forget.” Katani went to her bag. She turned and proudly displayed her handiwork. A new Happy Lucky Thingy—all pink and clean and definitely not smelly!
Lucky Charm
BOOK EXTRAS
Book Club Buzz
Charlotte’s Word Nerd Dictionary
Trivialicious Trivia
Book Club Buzz
5 QUESTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO CHAT ABOUT
What happens to the effort to bring Marty home when the BSG begin to fight?
Why do you think Kelley and other kids with autism find horses so soothing?
Why is Charlotte so distraught about losing Marty?
Do you believe in lucky charms? Do you have one?
Charlotte’s Word Nerd Dictionary
BSG Word
Fabulosity: adjective–extra fabulous in Maeve’s world
Other Cool Words…
Torrent: noun–a rushing, violent stream of water
Relent: verb–to become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving
Impassioned: adjective–filled with intense feeling or passion
Salient: adjective–important
Nonchalant: adjective–coolly unconcerned
Circulate: verb–to move in a circle or circuit
Phenom: noun–slang for “phenomenon”…a remarkable or exceptional person
Hippotherapy: noun–medical treatment using movement of a horse
Dejected: adjective–depressed in spirits; disheartened
Optimistic: adjective–tending to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions
Tangent: noun–changing suddenly from one course of action or thought to another
Curry: verb–to rub and clean a horse with a currycomb
Reprieve: noun–the state of being relieved temporarily
Summon: verb–to call into action; rouse
Cacophony: noun–harsh mix of sound
Altercation: noun–a heated or angry dispute
Objectivity: noun–not influenced by personal feelings; unbiased
Crestfallen: adjective–dejected; discouraged
Agog: adjective–highly excited, as in anticipation
Guffaw: verb–a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter
Definitions adapted from Webster’s Dictionary, Fourth Edition, Random House.
lucky charm trivialicious trivia
Who plays a mean trick on Charlotte when she writes her article for the Sentinel? A. Miss Pierce
B. Maeve
C. Jennifer Robinson
D. Ms. Rodriguez
2. How much money does Robbie Flores offer the BSG for Marty? A. $1,000,000
B. $5,000
D. $10,000
What is the name of Kelley’s horse at High Hopes? A. Penelope
B. Charlotte
C. Wilbur
D. Pokemon
What does Marty have with him when he is found by Robbie Flores? A. A bone
B. Happy Lucky Thingy
C. $20
D. Fleas
Who brings Marty back to the Ramseys? A. Robbie Flores
B. Miss Pierce
C. Anna and Joline
D. Happy Lucky Thingy
ANSWERS: 1. C. Jennifer Robinson 2. D. $10,000 3. C. Wilbur 4. B. Happy Lucky Thingy 5. B. Miss Pierce