Newbery Winner-The Higher Power of Lucky

Patron, S. (2006). The Higher Power of Lucky. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

(1). What did you like or dislike about the book?
At first, I thought this was a very strange book. The story begins with a child who is spying on an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. As I continued reading, I began to really love the character Lucky. Lucky, a ten-year-old girl was left with a guardian after her mother died. She lives in a trailer park in a town with a population of 42 people. In the story, I love the journey Lucky takes as she searches for a “higher power.” The book, though very different, had a great story about a different kind of family. I was not surprised that this book was a Newberry Award because it was well written and told a unique story.

(2). What in your life may have influenced your reaction or response to this book?
In my life I think I could place myself in Lucky’s shoes because there were times when I thought my family was a little strange. I could relate to Lucky wanting to run away because I remember a few times thinking about running away.

(3). How would you compare this book to another book or books, or book or books by same author?
This book reminds me of a different version of Because of Winn-Dixie. Both stories involve a girl around ten who is struggling with the type of family situation they are left with after someone leaves or dies. In the end they both develop relationships with others and are happy with the families they have.

(4). What new thing (information or insight) did you learn about children's literature in reading this book?
The reason why I chose to read this book was because I had heard it was controversial. It was interesting that the used the word scrotum on the first page and defined it on the last page. I learned that in children’s literature there are many different stories to be told involving the family. This story, while a little inappropriate at times is able to relate to children who have an unconventional family.