Even though James has just celebrated his eleventh birthday and his magical abilities have just awakened, he feels like the most unlucky boy on the planet. He's not just sulking for no good reason-he is actually cursed with bad luck. It's hereditary and his family has dealt with their misfortune for generations. With the help of his two best friends and a wise wereparakeet he has just inherited, James is determined to alter his fate and to make the very best of his situation.