Sammy Keyes And the Psycho Kitty Queen — Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy's never been what you might call lucky. But finding a dead cat on her birthday? That ranks up there in her top-ten unluckiest moments.

And not just because it was the ugliest dead thing she'd ever seen. No, it was more because of the chain of events that happened after.

Like getting hosed down by a crazy cat lady who blamed Sammy for her pet's violent end.

And being chased through a back alley by a guy with a cleaver.

And being thrown into the ring by a cranky pro wrestler called El Gato... oh, no wait, that was the good part of her day.

Happy birthday, Sammy!