I don't have a single complaint about this book. It was well-written, enjoyable, and I learned a little something about being 13 years old in small-town Alabama in 1918. I'd be happy if it got a Newbery nod.

The story's told by Dit, one of ten children, who is just your average kid until he befriends the daughter of the town's new postmaster: a super smart girl named Emma, who is black. Because it's 1918 and rural Alabama, their friendship is uncomfortable for many townspeople, both black and white. But it evolves naturally. Emma helps Dit with school. Dit teaches Emma, a city girl, how to play baseball. There's not a whole lot of plot until a fight between the awful white sheriff and a kind black barber results in a crime that rocks the small town--and Dit and Emma get involved in setting things right.

Because the chapters were short and filled with great details, I didn't mind at all that it took the story some time to get going. First-time author Levine was so great at setting the scene that the climax was ultimately pretty believable (which is rare in these kinds of books). Dit's moral development, and his understanding of race relations and history, never felt preachy or didactic.

This is one of those books that will be equally enjoyable for girls and boys, I think. While it is indeed about racism (the n-word is used quite a bit), it's also about friendship between a boy and a girl, and how bonding with a person who's different from you can change your life. In that way, it reminded me of [b:Bridge to Terabithia|2839|Bridge to Terabithia|Katherine Paterson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1161661043s/2839.jpg|2237401], which is a pretty high compliment in my book. ( )

In Moundville, Alabama, in 1916, "Dit" is eagerly awaiting the new postmaster's arrival, because he has a 12 year old child. He is shocked when the postmaster arrives, and the family is black... and the child is a girl. Emma turns out to be both smart and well educated. Dit's mother always taught him that you don't have to like anybody, but you do have to be nice to everyone. Dit and Emma rapidly go from tolerating each other, to getting along, to becoming close friends.
Everyone in town is not so agreeable to a black girl and a white boy being friends, and the grumpy, bullying, usually half-drunk sheriff, "Big Foot," is the worst. Eventually a chain of events in which Dit and Emma are both involved, leads to violence and a death.
By turns funny, sweet, sad, and tragic, "The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had" is definitely added to my list of all time favorite books. Emma and Dit will always have a place in my heart. ( )

Jim Crow Laws

What a perfect title for this book. I felt so proud of people in this book. It's bitter sweet. Loved it! ( )

One of the best books I have ever read. Excellent ( )