THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS

Tugs Button is one observant and determined 12-year-old. When the summer of 1929 takes a new turn with the arrival of a stranger in Goodhue, Iowa, it’s Tugs who persists in discovering what Mr. Moore is all about. As she collects information, she’s aided by loyal cousin Ned and surprisingly unsnobbish Aggie Milhouse. Laura Hamilton’s narration makes the quirky Button family and the citizens of Goodhue shine. There are many Button relations, and each has a distinctive voice; notable are perky, high-pitched Granny, who wonders how to “drive one of these dang things [a car],” and bossy, shrill Aunt Mina. As Tugs, Hamilton blurts out her ideas and slows or abruptly stops as Tugs thinks about what she’s said. As the slick Mr. Moore, Hamilton further enlivens his multiple skills and schemes. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2011]