THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY

1. Bibliography

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

2. Plot Summary

This funny tale recounts the story of Lucky, an intelligent young girl looking for answers to her many questions about the complexities of life. In her young ten year old mind, finding her "higher power" will bring her worry and confusion to an end. Unfortunately, Lucky has plenty of reasons to feel worried and confused. After the sudden death of her mother, Lucky is left in the care of her estranged father's first wife, Bridgette, who comes all the way from France to care for Lucky. However, the small impoverished town of Hard Pan, California is not what Bridgette was expecting. Lucky fears that Bridgette will one day return to France, leaving her ward behind. In desperation, Lucky runs away during the middle of a sand storm hoping to prove to Bridgette that she is a lovable and valuable person. In the end, Lucky is both surprised and relieved to learn that Bridgette plans to legally adopt Lucky . As it turns out, Lucky's "higher power" was the strength and determination that she had inside her the whole time.

3. Critical Analysis

This humorous story falls under the category of contemporary realistic fiction. First of all, although we do not know the precise date in which the story is set, we are given no indication that the setting is either in the past or in the future. Also, this story could take place in the real world. In other words, it is a realistic or believable tale. However, since this particular story did not actually take place in the real world and was not based on any actual events, it is, in fact, fictitious.

One of the most important aspects of a good realistic fiction story is believable characters. The best characters are those that the reader can either relate to on a personal level, or those that remind them of people in their own lives. In this story, our main character, Lucky, is quite believable. As a ten year old budding scientist, Lucky's brain is overflowing with questions. "She figured she had so many crevices and wrinkles, almost all of them filled with questions and anxious thoughts, that if you were to take her brain and flatten it out, it would cover a huge space, like maybe a king-size bed" (Patron). Like all girls her age, Lucky has questions about life, death, love, anatomy, friends, and even her own appearance. Just as in real life, this is a very confusing time for Lucky.

A second important aspect of realistic fiction is having a believable setting. The actual location does not necessarily have to be a real place, but it should absolutely feel like a real place to the reader. This story is set in Hard Pan, California, which is located on the outskirts of the Mojave desert. This desolate, impoverished community has a population of a whopping 43 people. While I am uncertain as to whether the town of Hard Pan actually exists, the searing heat, dust storms, insects, and snakes described in the story certainly make it seem very real.

Lastly, the plot of a realistic fiction story must be "true-to-life" (Vardell). In this book, Lucky is plagued by the death of her mother and the nagging thought that Bridgette will leave her too. The loss of a parent and the fear of being alone are two common themes in realistic fiction because they are pervasive human experiences. In other words, we can all relate to these feelings to some degree. Overall, this book provides both a humorous and true-to-life reading experience.

4. Review Excerpts

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.

Horn Book Guide: Patron's episodic tale of a grieving, insecure little girl is never heavy-handed or maudlin, due in part to quiet bursts of humor. Her sensory descriptions, supported by Phelan's gentle spot art, animate this unique community.

Publisher's Weekly: Patron's 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.

5. Connections

* Other Books by Susan Patron
MAYBE YES, MAYBE NO, MAYBE MAYBE
DARK CLOUD STRONG BREEZE
FIVE BAD BOYS, BILLY QUE, AND THE DUSTDOBBIN

* Other Books about Orphans
MADELINE: by Ludwig Bemelmans
A LITTLE PRINCESS: THE STORY OF SARA CREWE by: Frances Hodgson Burnett
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by: L. M. Montgomery

* Other Books about the Death of a Parent
ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES by: Sonya Sones
A TIME TO KEEP SILENT by: Gloria Whelan
PIECES OF GEORGIA by: Jennifer Bryant

* Other Books about Runaways
SILVER DOLLAR GIRL by: Katherine Ayres
NORTH by: Donna Jo Napoli
SAVING SWEETNESS by: Tom Bodett