The Good Fortunes Gang (The Cousins Quartet) [Hardcover]

Margaret Mahy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1993 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: The Cousins Quartet

Pete Fortune joins the rest of his family in New Zealand and must spend the night in the graveyard in order to join his cousins' club, the Good Fortunes Gang. By the author of Memory.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The first book in a four-volume series introduces the Fortune family, whose gypsy-like existence takes them from Australia to their father's childhood home in New Zealand. Greeted by throngs of Fortunes, who share a fondness for songs about prunes and speaking in rhymes, middle-child Pete tries to accept the idea that small-town Fairfield might become a real home. But his cousin Tracey, "a hard case," haunts his dreams and threatens his chances of fitting in with his newly met relatives. Eager to join "the Good Fortunes Gang" run by the machiavellian Tracey and two other cousins, Pete must spend a night in a graveyard in order to prove he has the stuff of real Fortunes. The much-acclaimed author doesn't miss a beat. Her fluid writing style blends wonderful snatches of humor with a perceptive understanding of what it means to be part of an eccentric family. Because this first series installment is just as original and witty as the author's many other titles, it seems the fate of the Fortunes will be well worth watching. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- Mahy introduces an unusual family in this readable, appealing, and well-written book, the first in a series of four. Pete Fortune, 10, his parents, his punky teenaged brother, and baby sister move from Australia to his father's childhood home in New Zealand. At a family reunion, Pete seeks out his cousins hiding in the woods; they challenge him to sleep in a graveyard in order to be considered a "real Fortune." He passes their test, even having to sleep next to a stone with his own name and age on it. The book concludes with Pete feeling at home, and just beginning to sort out who's who in his eccentric extended family. Mahy knows exactly how to construct a book of this type, and does it so well she makes it look easy. Her characters are well defined and interesting, and the story is told so that each chapter ends with readers wanting to turn the page. In addition, the prose contains graceful descriptive touches and vivid images that will stay with readers who notice more than plot. Occasional line drawings break up the text. All in all, this is an offering that's easy to booktalk, delightful to read. --Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 100 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (June 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385310153
• ISBN-13: 978-0385310154
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,629,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Margaret Mahy lives in New Zealand and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most outstanding children's writers today. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children of all ages, two of which have received England's Carnegie Medal and others of which have garnered numerous citations from the American Library Association. She is also the recipient of An Order of New Zealand, the highest honor a citizen can receive. In 2006 she received the Hans Christian Andersen award for her contributions to international children's literature.