The Higher Power of Lucky: Why Select This Book?
I had the opportunity to read 2007’s Newbery Award choice this weekend. I am so happy for that experience. Lucky, the 10 year main character, is fresh, curious and trying to make sense of a world that hasn’t been so kind to her. She lost her mother in an electrical storm, her father is absent, and when Brigitte arrives to be her guardian, we don’t know if she will stay.
Lucky likes to eavesdrop on the local twelve step meetings in her little town of Hard Pan. And it is there that she hears about hitting rock bottom, finding a higher power, and yes, the word scrotum.
So why select this book for the library?
Because Susan Patron has created strong characters in this slim book. I love the quirkiness of Lucky. She has her survival pack-back, HSM Beagle, a loyal companion, and she collects bugs. Her friends Miles and Lincoln, are equally fun to know. Lincoln is obsessed with knot-tying.
Because Patron has woven many humorous moments into a book that explores death of a parent and abandonment issues.
Because Patron uses anatomically correct words and not slang.
Because it is an award winning book with characters the same age as my fourth and fifth graders.
Because Patron creates a sense of wonder about having a “Higher Power” and I have heard similar wonderings in kid conversations.
Because the writing is such quality. The reader is pulled in from the first page and keeping turning those pages until the end.
Because Lucky is not a “girlie girl” she will resonate to those girls who are not active readers.
And finally, because quality literature belongs in the library. The Higher Power of Luckyis an example of that. There will be students who will nod in recognition as they read this story. There will be students who will be transported to an unfamiliar world. There will be students who will want more.
Happy Reading,
MsMac
February 19th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Great post, Jone!! I really enjoyed this book too, and have to admit I didn’t even really notice the scrotum issue until it came up after the awards!
February 19th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Excellent summary of some of the virtues of “The Higher Power of Lucky.” May I add another? Lucky learns in this novel about 12-step programs not just for alcoholics but for gamblers, smokers and overeaters. Many children have parents or other relatives in such programs without fully understanding what goes on at the meetings. The book could help to clarify that for them.
From my perspective “The Higher Power of Lucky” isn’t a perfect book, even leaving aside that “s word.” I have described a few of my observations today on my blog One-Minute Book Reviews. But none of my or anyone else’s concerns should keep libraries from carrying a book that has much to offer children. In fact, the copy that I used for my review came from my very good public library in northern New Jersey.
Janice Harayda
One-Minute Book Reviews
http://www.oneminutebookreviews.wordpress.com
February 20th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Well said!!
February 20th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Good points, Jone!
And the new look is very, very nice.
February 20th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
We just got a copy in at my library and I’m looking forward to reading it. It sounds terrific and I love your review–gets right to the heart of why books are meaningful for kids.