The Higher Power of Lucky
by Susan Patron
THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY by Susan Patron
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 6+
Release Date: 11/7/06
Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
Rating: 5 Stars
THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, winner of the Newbery Medal, has been causing quite a stir. Why? I honestly
don’t know why. The story is sensitive, heartwarming, and meaningful.
Lucky's mother met an unfortunate end when she stepped out of their desert trailer home after a storm and touched a
downed electrical wire. She was electrocuted and now Lucky lives with her guardian. Brigitte, a friend of her mother and
the first wife of Lucky's father, came from France to take care of Lucky. Recent events have Lucky feeling suspicious.
She seems to think Brigitte may be getting ready to return to France, leaving her behind in an L.A. orphanage.
There is not much to do in the desert town of Hard Pan -- population 43. Lucky spends quite a bit of her time outside the
local meeting place for what she calls the "anonymous" groups. She hears the down-and-out stories of members of
Alcoholics Anonymous, Smokers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and more. Lucky hears about how these folks
have hit “rock bottom” and then gone on to find their “higher power." Maybe if Lucky can find this higher power, Brigitte
will see that it is necessary for her to stay in Hard Pan and take care of her.
Filled with colorful characters, innocent interpretations of the world, and unique surroundings, THE HIGHER POWER
OF LUCKY takes the reader into the world of a brave little girl whose life experiences could challenge even a well-
adjusted adult. Through Lucky’s eyes readers will come to appreciate the wonders of the desert and the fascinating and
quirky behavior of the people who touch her life.
I was reminded of the previously successful BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE by Kate DiCamillo when I read this book.
Both deal with girls who are thrust into situations we wouldn't really want to see our own children in, but with courage and
determination the girls survive and even thrive as they make their way in the world. Please read Susan Patron’s book and
judge it for yourself.
