The Luck of the Buttons

The tale has a whiff of nostalgia (the Brownie box camera, "dagnabit"), but the good old days are balanced by the strongly realized, immediate characters and the delicacy and originality of the writing
--Horn Book

An increasingly suspenseful tale revolving around a dapper, silver-tongued newcomer with plans for starting a newspaper with citizens' money (think The Music Man).
--Publisher's Weekly

The main message here is uncomplicated, but important--with a little faith in ourselves and a willingness to take some risks, anything is possible
--Kirkus Reveiws

Ylvisaker's lively writing style and appealing characters will charm readers.
--Booklist

Subtle humor, a clever narrative style, and an endearing heroine. Details of photography of the time period add interest, and readers who enjoy a good story with only the mildest of sinister overtones will find this one appealing.
--School Library Journal

Tugs is nothing but good luck for young readers, and they'll appreciate her role in this perceptive exploration of identity.
--Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books

A heartwarming story about a sensitive girl who exhibits innovation, ingenuity, and creativity.
--Library Media Connection

Combines mystery with unusual characters, including even a well known town cat.
--Chicago Tribune

Ylvisaker's prose reads like poetry as she creates beautiful images that never feel contrived or self-conscious.
--Star Tribune

Books like THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS by Anne Ylvisaker are some of the best in the biz. A svelte little novel that's chock full of plum, pluck, and vinegar, Ylvisaker gives us a heroine you can believe in but never pity....Hand this one over to the kid that wants a good story with humor and spice and a family that's practically cursed itself. It'll stick in your brain long after you've read it, this one, and you'll be glad that it's in there.
--A Fuse 8 Production (SLJ blog)