The Higher Power of Lucky

Patron, S. (2007). The higher power of Lucky. New York: Listening Library.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Audio Book/Chapter Book
Age Recommendation: 10 & Up
Awards: 2007 Newberry Medal Winner

Don't let Lucky's name be deceptive, for luck is not on her side. After losing her mother and being left by her father, Lucky took up residence in a trailor home in the dusty California town of Pan Handle - population 43. At the kindness of Brigitte, Lucky's father's first wife, Lucky is cared for and loved, yet lives in constant fear that Brigitte will one day abandon her for her homeland of France. A charming story, it is not the plot that makes this story but rather the characters. Each character is so full of quirks and has so many layers that you feel as if it's a real person. Lucky carries a survival kit around with her everywhere she goes, her hero is Charles Darwin, and she regularly listens in on Anonymous meetings for smokers, drinkers, and the like. It is from these meetings that lucky hears of people finding their "higher power," so naturally she goes in search of this "higher power" herself, and begins to unknowingly utilize the twelve step program to do so. Lucky's friend Miles is full of character as well. Like any five year-old, he's obsessed with cookies and Dr. Seuss's classic "Are You My Mother," and despite the fact that Lucky is so often mean to him, he loves being in her presence. After a later adventure centered around the two of them running away in order to achieve the step of "getting control of your life," one comes to better understand Lucky when she explains, "It's almost impossible to get control of your life when you're only ten. It's other people, adults, who have control of your life, because they can abandon you."

Had I read this book rather than listened to the audio book, I probably would have enjoyed it more. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, had little variation in voices for the characters, if any at all, so I found it difficult to pay attention. In addition, since the book is more about character development than an actual plot, listening was also made more difficult. I would recommend this book for an older audience, ages ten and up, since it deals with more serious topics than are appropriate for younger children. Parents should be aware that the word scrotum is briefly mentioned and pondered on, and the topics of alcoholism and smoking are also touched on as Lucky listens in on the meetings. However, these topics were presented in an innocent manner and are probably not worth dwelling upon in light of the book as a whole. Overall, though, the Higher Power of Lucky is a quirky delight, in which children can explore the effect of family dynamics and friendship, and go in search of the "higher power" right alongside Lucky.

Kenney, B. (2007, March 6). "Lucky" is indeed worthy of attention [A review of the book The Higher Power of Lucky]. School Library Journal. Retrieved May 2, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/850000285/post/1360007336.html?q=the+higher+power+of+lucky.

Kenney doesn't go into much detail at all in his review of The Higher Power of Lucky. He wrote his review mainly in response to all of the controversy that apparently surrounded the use of the word "scrotum" within the book. Kenney refutes those that hold the position that book is yet another example of "social problems being crammed into a book for kids." In the end, Kenney finds that "Lucky’s quest for stability, and above all love, is deeply powerful and sure to resonate with readers of all ages." I can somewhat agree with Kenney's review, and think that the emotional tone of the book is what will impact children the most, yet I can't help but agree with the opposing view, because at times it did feel like social problems were just being crammed in. Overall, I found this review to be mediocre and in all honesty probably wouldn't have looked for the book after having read it.