From U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera comes the powerful journey of Chicano teen Lucky Z. A former skateboarder who’s anything but lucky, he finds triumph and power through his voice. Raw, cool, real—this novel in verse is a shout-out to teens to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, to raise their voice and find strength in the sheer and simple power of expression.

Lucky Z has always lived on the edge—he loved to skateboard, to drag race, to feel alive. But things have taken a turn—he’s living with new foster parents and a tragic past. An accident changed everything. And only his voice will set him free. As you feel Lucky breathe in life again, you will want to shout out with him.

A tragic accident took his board, but it couldn’t take his voice.

• A Powerful Novel in Verse: Written by U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, this story unfolds in raw, lyrical poems that capture the rhythm of the streets and the beat of a healing heart.
• An Unforgettable Chicano Voice: Follow Lucky Z as he navigates a new foster home, a new school, and the memories of a tragic past, all while finding strength in his heritage and his words.
• Themes of Identity and Acceptance: A poignant exploration of what it means to be different, facing down bullies and finding the courage to be yourself, out loud and unapologetically.
• From Skateboarder to Poet: After a drag racing accident leaves him in a wheelchair, Lucky discovers that his truest freedom isn’t on four wheels, but in the power of his own poetry.