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A review by kmcneil
The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
3.0
I've been reading a lot of intermediate fiction this summer, and I'm so glad The Higher Power of Lucky was on my list. It's quirky and delightful, and a book that pulls at your heart-strings gently but effectively. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the book as it opened with the main character, Lucky, listening in on an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and hearing Short Sammy tell his story about hitting rock bottom. But the theme of finding a Higher Power is woven throughout the book, and ultimately I felt that the opening and the story was quite suitable. Author Susan Patron doesn't sugar coat the difficulties in life, nor does she shine a bright light on them. Rather, they are presented as just ... well... part of life. You'll see from the SLJ review below that the story line seems quite intense. It is, but Patron manages to keep the intensity muted and, in the end, gives us a gem that you won't regret reading.
Newbery Medal Winner in 2007
Reading level: 5.9
Interest level: 4 - 6
Gr 4-6-When Lucky's mother is electrocuted and dies after a storm, Lucky's absentee father calls his ex-wife, Brigitte, to fly over from France to take care of the child. Two years later, the 10-year-old worries that Brigitte is tired of being her guardian and of their life in Hard Pan (pop. 42) in the middle of the California desert. While Lucky's best friend ties intricate knots and the little boy down the road cries for attention, she tries to get some control over her life by restocking her survival kit backpack and searching for her "Higher Power." This character-driven novel has an unusually complicated backstory, and a fair amount of exposition. Yet, its quirky cast and local color help to balance this fact, and the desert setting is fascinating. Lucky's tendency to jump to conclusions is frustrating, but her struggle to come to terms with her mother's death and with her new life ring true. Phelan's cover and line drawings are simple and evocative, a perfect complement to the text. Fans of novels by Deborah Wiles and Katherine Hannigan will be happy to meet Lucky.-Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Newbery Medal Winner in 2007
Reading level: 5.9
Interest level: 4 - 6
Gr 4-6-When Lucky's mother is electrocuted and dies after a storm, Lucky's absentee father calls his ex-wife, Brigitte, to fly over from France to take care of the child. Two years later, the 10-year-old worries that Brigitte is tired of being her guardian and of their life in Hard Pan (pop. 42) in the middle of the California desert. While Lucky's best friend ties intricate knots and the little boy down the road cries for attention, she tries to get some control over her life by restocking her survival kit backpack and searching for her "Higher Power." This character-driven novel has an unusually complicated backstory, and a fair amount of exposition. Yet, its quirky cast and local color help to balance this fact, and the desert setting is fascinating. Lucky's tendency to jump to conclusions is frustrating, but her struggle to come to terms with her mother's death and with her new life ring true. Phelan's cover and line drawings are simple and evocative, a perfect complement to the text. Fans of novels by Deborah Wiles and Katherine Hannigan will be happy to meet Lucky.-Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.