The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Book Summary
Ten year old Lucky has been searching for her higher power ever since the untimely death of her mother. Now living with her father's first wife, Bridgette, Lucky 's life has become mostly stable but the fear of losing Bridgette and ending up in an orphanage is ever present. She spends her evenings listening to the twelve-step program meetings in hopes of learning where her higher power may be and how to find it. When Lucky finds out that Bridgette plans to return to her family in France, Lucky packs up her homemade backpack survival kit and runs away. A dust storm ruins her plans but leads her to the answers she'd been looking for.

My Thoughts
The Higher Power of Lucky is not one of my favorites. The book often refers to the twelve step programs and how a person finds their higher power. I don't know of many kids that are familiar with these programs or know what a higher power is. I have to wonder whether or not a young reader can really relate to this story and its characters without having that vital information. I can definitely see why people were surprised when this book won the Newbery.

Library Usage
Good to showcase with other Newbery winners. Possibly an opportunity to talk this book up with children that might be in the midst of dealing with family members and addiction.

Journal Reviews
Booklist Review, 12-01-2006
"Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights." -- Francisca Goldsmith

School Library Journal Review, December 1, 2006
"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. Phelan's cover and line drawings are simple and evocative, a perfect complement to the text." --Adrienne Furness

Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2006
"Readers will gladly give themselves over to Patron, a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem."