1. BibliographyPatron, Susan. 2006. The Higher Power of Lucky. Ill. by Matt Phelan. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 97814169091945
2. Plot Summary
Ten-year-old Lucky Trimble lives with her guardian and her beloved dog in Hard Pan, California (population 43) and dreams of becoming a world famous scientist one day. Lucky’s mother was electrocuted by stepping on a downed power line; her father sent for his first wife who lives in France to take care of Lucky until she can be placed in a foster home two years ago. Lucky eavesdrops on the twelve-step meetings that she cleans up after and hears the members talk about finding their higher power. She hopes that someday she can find her higher power and have some control over her life. Lucky is concerned that Brigitte wants to return to France and she will have to go to an orphanage and become a ward of the state. Lucky’s concern leads her to run away hoping to cause worry, sadness, and a change in Brigitte’s heart (“Lucky liked the idea that by running away she could make people do things they wouldn’t do otherwise.”). She runs away during a desert dust storm and when the air finally clears, so does the haze of Lucky’s uncertainty.
3. Critical Analysis
Patron’s novel is bases on a memorable cast of characters and a distinctive sense of place. Lucky is a multidimensional character exhibiting moments of meanness and big-heartedness. Her predicament is gripping. Many readers will identify with her feeling that some times she “wanted to change everything, all the bad things that had happened, and some times she wanted everything to stay the same forever.” Patron reveals Brigitte through interactions with Lucky and her flashbacks. Brigitte left France with “her own French life going along, full of plans, and her old French mother” when Lucky’s father called. She has stayed for two years and has made plans to legally adopt Lucky and open her own restaurant in Hard Pan. Two minor characters that appear frequently throughout the story are Lucky’s best friend, Lincoln, who has an obsession with tying knots and challenges her to see things in a new light and five-year-old Miles who is a tiresome pest to Lucky. The plot is revealed as Lucky goes through a typical day in her small town. Details of the past are provided in Lucky’s thoughts and memories. Patron’s style of revealing the story in parts maintains the interest of the reader. The small, subtle illustrations compliment the plot well.
4. Review Excerpts and Award
Starred review in Kirkus: “Readers will gladly give themselves over to Patron, a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem.”
Review in Booklist: “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.”
Review in Horn Book: “Patron’s episodic tale of a grieving insecure little girl is never heavy-handed or maudlin, due in part to quiet bursts of humor.”
Review in School Library Journal
John Newberry Medal Winner
5. Connections
· Discuss what things students would include in their survival-kit backpacks and why.
· Research different types of knots. Which ones would be easy for a beginner? How many can you successfully make?
· Other titles by Susan Patron:
Five Bad Boys, Billy Que, and the Dustdobbin. ISBN 9780531059890
Bobbin Dustbobbin. ISBN 9780531054680
Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe. ISBN 9780531054826
Burgoo Stew. ISBN 9780531059166
Dark Cloud Strong Breeze. ISBN 9780531068151
