The Higher Power of Lucky

By Susan Patron

Newbery Award 2007

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

Lucky loves living in Dead Pan, population 43. She loves her knot-tying friend, Lincoln (who may become president some day), and collecting insects like Charles Darwin with her dog, HMS Beagle. But Lucky doesn't think that Brigitte, her Guardian from France who came to take care of her after her mother's death, feels the same way about Dead Pan. Lucky thinks that after 2 years of taking care of her, Brigitte is ready to return to France and leave her and dusty Dead Pan behind and Lucky will be put in an orphanage. Whenever Lucky eavesdrops on the 12 step program meetings in town, the people always talk about hitting rock bottom and finding their Higher Power. When she finally thinks she's found hard evidence that Brigitte is going to leave, Lucky realizes she's hit rock bottom and decides to run away. But will a dust storm, a lost 5 year old, and a survial kit help Lucky find her Higher Power and give her the answers she needs? This is a very unusual, touching story, with unforgettable characters against the vivid backdrop of the California desert. You can almost feel the grit in your hair and feel the heat under your toes. Readers will be pleased with Lucky's realization that what you were looking for might be right under your nose all of the time, and that happiness can be found in your own backyard.