Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002

Ben knows only three things about his dad: 1) he has green eyes, 2) he has a number, and 3) at one point in his life, he made a deposit at a bank. Ben’s mom is usually good about answering his questions. But not this one. So, when Ben is assigned a family tree project at school, he confronts his mom (for the zillionth time), and instead of telling Ben the truth, she buys him a dog (Blue). With the dreaded day of oral reports looming, Ben rallies Blue and his best friend Cooper to uncover his dad’s whereabouts and complete his family tree. But what Ben discovers is stranger than anything he could have ever imagined. And to make matters worse, Blue’s former owner enters the story and unusual things start to happen.

168 Pages / RL: Gr 2  IL: Grades 3 to 6 / Ages 8 to 12 / On-Sale October 1, 2024
FREE Extensive Discussion Guide for Educators & Parents

BISACS: JUV013060, JUV028000, JUV044000

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Advanced Praise for Ben & Blue

"With the help of his best friend Cooper and his furry sidekick Blue, Ben's quest to find his father, some mishaps along the way, an encounter with suspicious goings-on in the neighborhood, and a generous sprinkling of humor, all make for a perfect recipe to engage young readers." --Betsy Rosenthal, author of When Lightnin' Struck

"Readers will be eager to learn the answers that Ben seeks in this middle grade novel that is both heartfelt and full of surprises."  --Courtney Sheinmel, author of Stella Batts and My So-Called Family

"Wonderfully written, this sweet story tackles the complicated topic of nontraditional families with sensitivity and humor. An excellent read for middle grade readers and their parents looking forsuspense, action, and uplifting entertainment." --Lisa Parker Hayreh for Independent Book Review

"Ben and Blue Searching for Lucky #3002 is a wonderful and creative way of presenting information to a child on a topic which is one they would not normally understand. Combining the very adult topic of donor-conceived birth with a fun mystery for youngsters (actually two of them) and a great character like Blue was a stroke of genius on the part of this author." --Feathered Quill Book Reviews

"Ellen Melissa Cohen masterfully brings us along on the narrator's quest to discover who his father is, tackling a tricky topic with sensitivity, suspense, and humor, all in the believable voice of 9/10 year old Ben."  --Jane Sutton, author of Me and the Weirdos, ALA/CBC Children's Choice

"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."
--Literary Titan Full Review here.

Spoiler alert:  "...this chapter book is a solid introduction--complete with back matter on Artificial Reproductive Technology--for elementary readers into what it means to be born by sperm donation." --Booklist

"Ellen Melissa Cohen’s early chapter book, Ben and Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002, is an informative and engaging story about reproduction and a different, more scientific, approach to how babies are made. Ben is the main character, a ten-year-old boy, and he shares his story in a first-person narrative. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along. Educational and told from the heart."
-- Readers Favorite: 5 Stars

2024 International Book Awards: 
Finalist for Best in Children's Fiction

  A young fan enjoys his Preview copy of
  Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002. 

  We think he looks a lot like Ben in the story! 
  But what did his dog think of the book?!  :-)

SCHOOLS & LIBRARIES:  Now vailable from our Distributor Lerner Publisher Services.

Hardcover: 978-1-64371-373-1   $16.99 (List)
Softcover: 978-1-64371-374-8   $9.99
eBook and Audiobook editions available.

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