Welcome to the Blog Tour for Not Lucille by Mike Steele!
If you’re a fan of middle grade fiction that explores identity, friendship, and finding your voice in a world that wants you silent—this story is for you.
Book Title: Not Lucille
Author: Mike Steele
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Buy the Book: Buy Now on Books2Read
About the Book:
Ten-year-old Lucy Contento is bold, curious, and always in trouble. She talks too much. Writes with the “wrong” hand. And sneaks off to the Trenton Academy for the Deaf where she meets Florence, a profoundly deaf girl who communicates in a special way. The two girls form a secret friendship, one that hinges on Lucy learning to understand Florence’s world.
But Lucy’s got a problem: she needs $7.98 to carry out her plan to connect with Florence. And asking her family—already struggling with her father out of work—might reveal secrets they’d rather keep hidden.
This heartfelt and humorous story invites readers to reflect on prejudice, identity, and what it means to be truly heard.
Exclusive Excerpt from Not Lucille
Lucy crept toward the open window and crouched down until she was face to face with the blonde girl. “You can talk?”
The blonde girl raised her hand and formed it into a fist. She pinched her thumb and index finger together. It looked like the gesture Lucy had seen people use to indicate the phrase, a little bit.
“Can you hear me?”
The blonde girl shook her head.
A large raindrop landed in Lucy’s curls and dripped down her face. “I’ll come back tomorrow,” Lucy said.
The blonde girl reached through the window and pulled Lucy’s face toward her own. Her grip was firm, her hands compelling.
Meet the Author – Mike Steele
Mike Steele is no stranger to middle-grade readers. As an elementary school librarian and former teacher, Mike writes with empathy and humor, drawing from his real-life experience with kids.
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🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Enter to win a $10 Amazon/BN Gift Card from Mike Steele!
My Final Thoughts:
Not Lucille is a powerful reminder that friendships don’t need words to be real and that sometimes, the loudest voices come from the most unexpected places. Perfect for ages 8–12, this book is ideal for classroom reading, book clubs, or bedtime discussions on empathy and inclusion.
📘 Don’t miss this beautiful debut! Get your copy of Not Lucille today: https://books2read.com/u/4Arye0
We appreciate you featuring NOT LUCILLE today – thank you.
This should be a very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.