Genre 6: Fiction

Bibliography


Patron, Susan. 2006. The Higher Power of Lucky. Ill. by Matt Phelan. ISBN 978-1-4169-0194-5.


Book Information

In the book, The Higher Power of Lucky, Susan Patron gives the readers the heartwarming story of Lucky. Lucky is a 10 year old girl who lives in a small, poor town in California. She is in the care of her gaurdian Brigitte, her father's first wife, because of the death of her mother. Many people think of Susan Patron as naturally a warm, sympathetic person. This could be why she was able to warmly tell us about the life of the young grieving girl Lucky who hasn't yet found her place in life. This is a sad story of a little girl lost, but the humor Patron offers helps the reader get past Lucky's sad situation. Lucky escapes into a windstorm and consequently gets her "higher power."

The book wasn't long and drawn out, but offered short chapters that young readers could remain engrossed in. This book was easy to follow and it's incomplicated plot was how Lucky wanted her life: meaningful. The brief chapters may also keep the reader curious as to what is going to happen in Lucky's life next. Furthermore, the characters Lincoln and Short Sammy have likeable traits that have helped Lucky keep her wits about her. When Lincoln, often called a special child, "drew two neat perfect dots" that was simply the puncuation mark (colon) Lucky said "Wow...that is...presidential." Lincoln blushed at her remark about his attempt at making a road sign to caution drivers. Lucky is encouraging her friend when she needs a boost of courage herself. It is instances like this that Patron's character Lucky wins the hearts of readers.

The illustrations are delicate and fit well with the book. Susan Patron has told an enjoyable story and Matt Phelan has kept the drawings simple, which is reflective of Lucky's life. It seems that the pictures were drawn lightly as to not overpower the delicate character of Lucky.

There is a lot of modesty in this book. Lucky lives in a small town, that isn't rich in it's surroundings. The book has short, easy to read chapters. Lucky isn't surrounded by many unmeaningful people. The black and white pictures are simple and not overdrawn. The author's style, or mode of expression, in making things in Lucky's life uncomplicated makes this an enjoyable read and definitely deserving of the John Newbery Award it has won.

Review Excerpts

John Newbery Medal, 2007

Americal Library Association Notable Books for Children, 2007

Focal Award, 2007

Kirkus Editor's Choice

*Starred Review in 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."

*Starred Review in Publisher's Weekly: "Patrons poignant Newbery-winning story about a girl who fears being abandoned by her legal guardian- and her only semblance of a family-sails along with believable childlike rhythms and kid's eye view observations.

Connections

This book is a good one to share with children about remaining hopeful even when we feel like all hope is gone.

*Gather books similar to The Higher Power of Lucky:

Wiesner, David. Flotsam. ISBN 0618194576

Selznick, Brian. The Invention of Hugo Cabret. ISBN 0439813786

*Gather other books by Susan Patron:

Lucky Breaks. ISBN 1-4169-3998-9

Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe. ISBN 1-4169-6176-3 (not yet released)