The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Bibliography:
Patron, S. 2006. THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY. Ill. by Matt Phelan. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 1416901949

Plot Summary:
Influenced by the 12-step program, Lucky Trimble, 10, is searching for her Higher Power so that she can gain control over her life which spun out of control after the death of her mother. Brigitte, her father’s first wife, moves to Hard Pan, California to become Lucky’s guardian. Lucky, with her survival kit backpack, thinks she is ready for anything - even Brigitte leaving for France. Unsure of the stability of her home life Lucky relies on her friend Lincoln, who loves knots, her dog HMS Beagle, and Miles, a 5-year-old tag-a-long. When Lucky reaches rock bottom, she takes things into her own hands with surprising results.

Critical Analysis:
Lucky, the main character, tells the story through her perspective that is endearing, inquisitive, sensitive, and honest. As a young girl that has lost her mother, who has a father not interested in children, and a temporary guardian she is concerned with stability and acceptance in her life. From the beginning of the novel, the reader is aware that Lucky is preparing for the worst. Despite that Lucky is still a young, curious girl who explores the world of Hard Pan, California with deep interest from the anonymous groups at the Found Object Wind Chime Museum and Visitor Center, the animals and weather of the desert, and the people of the town.

Brigitte, Lincoln, and Miles are fleshed out characters that relate the feel of the small town as a family because everyone knows and helps everyone out. The interactions between Lucky and them are natural for the type of relationship. With Brigitte Lucky is a precocious young child, but when Lucky interacts with Miles she acts more mature and knowledgeable than she really is. Closeness is seen especially between Lincoln and Lucky were they share special looks like when they shared an “eye-smile” (p. 90) that expressed their perfect understanding of each other.

THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY is about finding one’s place in this world both in the family and community environment. Lucky searches for hers while also learning to accept the death that has so drastically changed her life. Life can change in an instant but friends and family, however they are defined, can help ease the pain of loss towards understanding.

The writing is complimented by the soft, pencil drawings of Matt Phelan. Inserted among the text, the images convey a softness enhanced by the delicate lines. The illustrations depict the town of Hard Pan, Lucky jumping on the dryer, and Lincoln's knots. They help create the mood of Lucky's home and her experiences.

Awards:
Newbery Award 2007

Review Excerpts:
BOOKLIST
“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.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“The novel addresses difficult topics such as death, absent parents, and addiction with realism, humor, and wonder, making the overall message one of hope and love. Phelan's cover and line drawings are simple and evocative, a perfect complement to the text.”

Connections:
-A sequel, LUCKY BREAKS, is expected to release March 2009
-The audio book, narrated by Cassandra Campbell, makes the characters breathe with her casually inquisitive voice of Lucky, the soft French of Brigette, and the gruff voice of Sammy. Excellent by itself or as a companion to the book.
-This book would be appropriate to have a group discussion about the death of a family member, insecurities, and what “higher power” means to the readers.
-Supplemental readings about death: HER MOTHER’S FACE by Roddy Doyle (a picture book), and STOPPING FOR DEATH: POEMS OF DEATH AND LOSS by Carol Ann Duffy