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Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery follows a ten-year-old boy with a school project on family who tries to uncover the mystery of his father’s past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My son’s best friend growing up was a bright, personable, articulate boy living with his single mom. He was aware of his story of origin but had never met the man involved with his conception. I was told that when he once gave a talk about his birth history, another child in the audience made a negative comment. He pivoted quickly, saying, “If this way of being born didn’t exist, I wouldn’t exist.” We were so proud of him!
Ben learns a valuable lesson in his search for information about his father, including the diversity of families and how they are all valuable. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Like Ben’s mom, I am a psychiatrist. During my career, I’ve worked with many people in all kinds of family and personal situations that have highlighted the concept of diversity. An important lesson is that not all aspects of diversity are obvious. Also, that it may take someone a long time to feel comfortable sharing their story. And if you find you are not clearly understanding the details, but they are willing to share, you need to find a gentle and respectful way to ask questions.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Much less important than a family’s structure, is the feeling that runs through it. And by that feeling, I am talking about love. The love a child receives in their family of origin, their foster, or adoptive family, is essential to a healthy and happy life. From an early age, children should be guided to recognize that not all families are alike, recognizing this as a matter-of-fact aspect of diversity. And not least, children are entitled to know the story of their own birth history.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am deep in the revisions of a next adventure for Ben & Blue! Will keep you posted!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery
Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery, by Ellen Melissa Cohen, is an enchanting middle-grade mystery that captures the imagination and hearts of its readers. The story revolves around ten-year-old Benjamin, who is raised by a single mother. When a family project at school highlights his lack of a father, Benjamin’s curiosity about his father’s identity is piqued. His mother’s vague answers propel him to take matters into his own hands. Alongside his best friend Cooper and his loyal dog Blue, Ben embarks on a heartfelt quest to uncover the truth about his father.
Cohen masterfully addresses sensitive issues in a manner that is both accessible and engaging for young readers. The narrative deftly explores the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household, making it deeply relatable for many children. Ben is an endearing protagonist—intuitive, intelligent, and occasionally mischievous. His earnest quest highlights the importance of addressing complex topics with children, reinforcing the value of open communication.
The story also delivers a powerful message about the diverse nature of families. Ben’s journey teaches young readers that families come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique beauty. This theme is reinforced through Cohen’s thoughtful writing and the vibrant illustrations by Donald Wu. Wu’s artwork is a delightful complement to the story, bringing the characters and their adventures to life in vivid detail. Each illustration adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making readers look forward to every chapter. Cohen’s storytelling is both captivating and educational, skillfully blending mystery with meaningful life lessons. The pacing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Although I feel the resolution of Benjamin’s search feels a bit rushed, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating more adventures with Ben and Blue.
Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery is an outstanding addition to middle-grade fiction. It’s a heartwarming, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable read that both children and adults will appreciate. Ellen Melissa Cohen has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also deeply impactful, making it a must-read for young readers.
Pages: 168 | ISBN : 1643713736
LITERARY TITAN 