The Luck of the Buttons    by Anne Ylvisaker Order:  USA  Can Candlewick, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Bob Walch Twelve year old Ester 'Tugs' Button is about to experience the most unforgettable summer in her young life. Growing up in a small Iowa community in the late 1920s, Tugs has not had many adventures. In fact, up to now her life has been pretty much a ho-hum affair. That will all change, though, when the likeable tomboy finds a new friend, gets her first camera, and unearths a scheme to cheat some locals out of their hard earned cash. When Aggie Millhouse invites Tugs to be her partner in the annual Independence Day three-legged race, the little girl finds she's got a new friend who is one of the most popular girls in the town. Not only do they win the race, but Tugs' 4th of July essay gets a blue ribbon and she also wins a new camera in the day's raffle. With her confidence bolstered, the little girl engages in a little detective work when she thinks there is something fishy about a stranger's scheme to launch a village newspaper. Sure enough, Tugs' instincts are correct and she discovers the affable stranger is really an accomplished confidence man who is wanted in a number of states for his scams. Children old enough to read a full length chapter book will enjoy meeting this appealing little girl and her remarkable friends and family. Tugs Button is a spunky youngster whose memorable summer makes for a delightful and highly entertaining short novel. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews