The readers of Saratogian Elizabeth Macy’s Lucky’s Adventures picture books are getting older and more advanced, and now the series is, too. Macy’s new chapter book, Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue is geared at readers ages 7-11, and dives deeper into the adventures and emotions behind the true story of her dog, Lucky, going missing for four days in 2016.

“There was so much more to Lucky’s real life story that couldn’t fit into a picture book,” Macy says. “From how the Saratoga community helped find her when she was lost, to how her guardian angel helped her along the way.”

The spottings, the near-misses, the help Macy received, and the friends Lucky made along the way are explored from both Lucky’s and her mom’s perspectives in the new book—something that’s never been done before in the Lucky’s Adventures series.

“I originally started writing the story in third person, like the picture book,” Macy says, “but I felt weaving together both Lucky’s perspectives and mine helped bring out the emotional heart of the story, making it feel more personal and real.”

Alongside the more detailed account of Lucky’s experience and Macy’s emotions during it, Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue features iconic Saratoga landmarks like the Saratoga Race Course, Congress Park, SPAC, and Saratoga Lake—which Macy has strived to do since her very first book.

“It’s a great way to showcase my hometown,” Macy says. “Plus, it adds to the fun and adventure as Lucky rides a racehorse, rides the carousel, and even tries the famous spring water.”

While the chapter book is sure to excite older readers and help Macy better connect with them on things like story structure, character development, and creative writing—she and Lucky frequently do school visits—it also will make a lasting difference in the community.

“We always donate a percentage of book sales to local rescues,” Macy says, “and for this launch, Lucky Puppy Rescue felt like the perfect fit—not just because of the name connection, but because Lucky, like their dogs, was rescued from the South.”

The donation to Lucky Puppy Rescue—an Argyle-based nonprofit that specializes in the rehabilitation and rehoming of rescue dogs on its 125-acre family farm—was also inspired by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy’s own generous $150,000 donation to the organization. To show her admiration for his gift, Macy even included Portnoy’s rescue dog, Miss Peaches, in the book.

Brought to life with illustrations by Jen Kocsmiersky and Anthony Richichi, Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue will debut at its official book launch celebration at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, August 20, from 3-6pm. Macy and Lucky will be onsite to greet fans and sign copies of their books.

You can also buy a copy online, or pick one up in a local shop.

Interested in other local reads? Check out:

Find Me in Saratoga by Patrice Mastrianni
It turns out that the woman behind Saratoga’s many painted lawn jockeys is more than a one-trick pony. This spring, Saratogian Patrice Mastrianni authored Find Me in Saratoga, a children’s book in which young readers are led around Saratoga by two of the city’s most iconic residents—a duck and a squirrel. On the way, readers discover the “early history, mystery, and folklore” of this legendary city, from the grand hotels to the Battles of Saratoga and beyond. Get a copy at the Saratoga Springs History Museum, Saratoga Candy Co, Frivolous Boutique, Saratoga Olive Oil, Impressions of Saratoga, G. Willikers, or at findmeinsaratoga.com.

The Racetracks of America: From the Pre-Civil War Days to the 21st Century
Complete with contributions from 35 authors and a foreword by Jay Hovdey, winner of multiple Eclipse Awards and a columnist for Bloodhorse, this 440-page work tells the story of nearly 80 US racetracks. Saratoga Living‘s own Brien Bouyea, editor of the book and communications director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, wrote the 10-page section on Saratoga, the country’s oldest major racecourse that’s still in operation today. If there was ever a Saratoga coffee table book, this is it. Read more here.

Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland
New York Times bestselling author and Saratoga resident Mai Corland released Three Shattered Souls, the final installment of her “romantasy” trilogy, The Broken Blades, this summer. Set in the fictional land of Yusan, the trilogy follows five assassins competing to kill the king of Yusan. In the final book, which touches on themes of death, violence, and genocide, the gang goes to finish what they started.

Saratoga ABCs by Lauren Magina
Originally created for her daughters as a keepsake to celebrate their hometown, Saratoga ABCs by Lauren Magina will soon be available to all young Saratogians. The book, complete with illustrations by Magina herself, spotlights the people, places, and things that make the Spa City so unique—from its mineral springs to Saratoga Race Course. Get an early copy at Impressions of Saratoga on August 17, when Magina will be hosting a book-signing.

Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer
Earlier this year, a Saratoga author named—fittingly—Saratoga published her debut novel, Serial Killer Suport Group. The book follows Cyra Griffin, who takes the matter of solving her brother’s murder into her own hands, infiltrating a serial killer support group in the process. The group has a set of strict rules; if you break one of them? You’ll be killed, obviously.