Such a sweet story. I loved Lucy and identified with her as she struggled with losing a friend who was embracing new activities that Lucy wasn't ready for. I am so glad to see attention paid to this subject in a way that makes it okay for her to cling to childhood a little longer.
Overall, I thought this story was sweet, delightful and had just a touch of an old-fashioned feel to it.

3.5 stars. I have mixed feelings about Lucy Castor Finds Her Sparkle. It’s a cozy little book with much to like — friendship drama, learning to deal with change, looking for the magic in everything.

However, I struggled with Lucy herself. She starts out a happy, reassured 10-year-old but quickly makes the switch to moody and depressed. And Natasha Lowe’s well-crafted setting only serves to heighten Lucy’s anxieties. Halfway in, I was depressed myself just reading it. I also had a hard time believing that such doting parents would switch to ignoring her so quickly.

Lucy Castor Finds Her Sparkle is not without it’s high points. Supporting characters, especially Lucy’s next-door-neighbor, Chloe, really brighten the text and add a breath of fresh air. While some people might think 10-years-old is too old for a child to believe in magic, I found it refreshing. I feel like 10 is too young to be thinking about boys, so I’m glad to find a book that celebrates nature and imagination.

A nice growing up story and family dynamic story but felt a little forced at times and tied up a little too nicely at the end.