by Susan Patron, illustrations by Matt Phelan
Ages 8+
The Higher Power of Lucky tells the story of Lucky Trimble who lives in the middle of the desert with snakes and dust storms but is not afraid of anything, except that her guardian will leave her for France. After Lucky's mother dies she tries to find her "higher power" but is too busy worrying that her guardian Bridgette will leave her, trying to do scientific experiments and telling stories to an annoying little boy who also does not have a mother. Lucky has to hit rock bottom before she finds her higher power by accepting her past and learning to trust Bridgette and all of the people who love her.
When I read a good book it invites me into another world where I feel like I know the people and places and maybe even feel a little homesick when I leave. The Higher Power of Lucky created a detailed and inviting world for Lucky Trimble which is what I enjoyed about the story. I did not feel that homesickness but I think that, if I was reading this book as an eleven year old girl, I would. Lucky's character and the town of Hard Pan (pop. 43) won me over from the first page. Lucky is sitting by a dumpster in the sweltering desert heat listening in to a 12 step meeting because of the appeal of something as unexplainable as "finding your higher power". I can remember how this would have been a huge adventure as a kid; going somewhere of limits and listening to adults tell stories normally only for adults. I think many kids can relate to hearing misadventures like those of Short Sammy and pretending not hear. Clearly Lucky is thinks big and is not afraid to take risks.
The town itself comes off equally confident in its quirkiness and sense of adventure. From the "Found Object Wind Chime Museum and Visitor Center" (I am not sure what it is but it sounds awesome!) to the mysterious dugouts and sudden windstorms. The surroundings play a large role in the story and Lucky's world. Hard Pan is a vast, open expanse of desert, far away from any real city where dust storms are common and children know a rainstorm smells like "creosote and wild sage". This specific setting seems to give Lucky and the many unique characters the space personal and physical space they need to change and grow. At the same time it creates a close community where the people can create their own norms and turn to each other for help. Lucky sees the desert as one giant scientific experiment she turns to again and again when she has doubts about Bridgette. I could definitely relate to having a close connection with nature as a child. I would wander around the gully of weeds and dirty water as kid until the houses almost disappeared and every turn was an adventure, who knew what rusty treasure I might find.
The colorful and unique characters also build upon Lucky's world. I enjoyed the relationship between Lucky and Lincoln. I know the feeling of having that one friend you completely understand, would do anything for, would be their partner in crime and vice versa. Lucky and Lincoln are at the age when they are starting to wonder about why things are the way they are and ask big questions that do not always have answers. One of my favorite scenes is when Lincoln calls Lucky to come address the problem of the "Slow Kids at Play sign with such seriousness and their editing feels like a small step in writing the wrongs in the world.
There are a lot of pieces of Lucky's life which children could relate to. Many children do not have a "normal" family and they must come to an understanding of their relationships and their role within their family. Children losing a parent through death, divorce or child services will be able to relate to Lucky's feelings of doubt and confusion. Lucky pushes away memories of her father and mother because she does not know how to handle them. The Higher Power of Lucky shows that if you trust the people who care about you they will be there for you when you need them.
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