What do You think about The Higher Power Of Lucky (2006)?
Summary: Lucky, an inquisitive and adventurous tween, lives in a small tight-knit desert community where she struggles to make sense of life's uncertainties like her mother's death, her father's disappearance from her life, and the degree of devotion of her guardian. Just as the people at addiction support group meetings on which Lucky spies, she hopes to find her "Higher Power" in order to make sense of things. Lucky's internal struggles with fear and trust (along with her tendency to get carried away) drive her to run away to avoid getting hurt. Lucky prides herself in being ready for anything, but on this journey she encounters much that she never anticipated. Audience: Fluent readers, 3rd-6th grade.Uses: Read Aloud (for the pleasure of a great story), Language Arts-discussion of literary elements such as plot, character development, irony, symbolism, and narrative styleAdditional Notes: Winner of the Newberry Medal, may consider a letter to parents of introduction (defense) for the use of the word "scrotum" on the first page, students may need some background information to understand context regarding: AA and similar support meetings
—Amy
This is a Newbury Award winning book about Lucky, a 10 year old girl who lives in a tiny California town. She eavesdrops on 12 Step Program meetings, so she has become familiar with the concept of a Higher Power. She has a French Guardian named Brigitte because Lucky’s mother was tragically killed when Lucky was 8, and her father doesn’t want a relationship with her. She also has a dog and two quirky friends named Lincoln and Miles who figure prominently in Lucky's life. Because of the stories of hardship that Lucky hears at the 12 Step Programs and her complicated family situation, Lucky has a lot of anxiety and always suspects Brigitte wants to abandon her to return to France. Lucky decides to rely on her own Higher Power, and believes she should run away. She leaves town, but doesn’t get far because running away is more difficult than she anticipated. Before too long Brigitte finds Lucky and they both return home. The story has a surprise ending for Lucky – she completely misjudged Brigitte and Brigitte’s plans for the two of them. I recommend this book for children in at least 5th grade. The plot has many mature aspects to it and I think that in order for students to appreciate the richness of the storyline, they’d need to understand the subplots. Students at a slightly younger age (4th grade) who have life experiences with 12 Step Programs and absentee parents would likely relate to the characters and story.
—Kathleen
This is one of my favorite Newbery books to date!!!!Once again, I am in awe of the ability of YA books to reach out and tug at heartstrings while dealing with very complex issues.I highly recommend this profoundly moving tale of Lucky, a rough and tumble ten year old whose mother died tragically and thus now is in the guardianship of her father's previous wife Brigitte.Brigitte moves from France to temporarily take care of Lucky until a "real" home can be found.Living in three tiny connected trailers, existing in poverty in the hot, dry desert community of Hard Pan, California (total population of 43), Lucky, who does not perceive herself as such, fears that one day Brigitte will leave and return to a better life in France.Shirking the responsibility of raising Lucky, her father periodically sends checks to Bridget that are never enough to cover bare necessities.Strongly fearing it is only a matter of time until Brigitte moves back to France and thus tosses her aside, Lucky, ever aware of needing protection, carries a "rescue kit" with her at all times.While sweeping and cleaning the Found Object Wind Chime Museum and Visitor Center, Lucky quietly listens to the testimonials of the AAA meetings where she hears the stories of those saved by trusting the "higher power." Lucky knows that if only she can find her higher power, she will have a better life.Lucky's friends consist of her lovable, loyal dog HMS Beagle, knot-tying obsessed Lincoln (named because his mother wants him to grow up to be the President of the US), and scrappy little five year old cookie mooching Miles, also a orphan-like waif, raised by his grandmother.Wanting to be the one who leaves and abandons before this happens to her, Lucky runs away. Using the resources she stashed away in her rescue kit, she lives overnight in a cave.When Brigitte and town members rescue Lucky, she learns that Brigit is in the process of adopting her and it was never was her plan to leave.Lucky discovers that her "higher power" is indeed the fact that not only is she loved by Brigitte, but also by the 43 people of the town.
—Linda Lipko
