The Higher Power of Lucky

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

*Plot Summary

In her Newbery-Award winning novel THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, author Susan Patron tells the story of ten year old Lucky Trimble, and illustrator Matt Phelan adds his touch with great drawings. Spending her life in the desert town of Hard Pan, California, Lucky has gotten to know many of the residents in the tiny town. Despite having a job and a caring Guardian, Lucky feels she is still missing something special from her life. In her attempt to discover her Higher Power, Lucky learns about herself.

*Critical Analysis

The characters are an important feature of the novel. Using a balance of narration and dialogue, Patron reveals the main characters as memorable and unique. To start, the protagonist Lucky is a creative individual who has suspicions and worries about her life in Hard Pan. “Being ten and a half, Lucky felt like she had no control over her life – partly because she wasn’t grown up yet – but that if she found her Higher Power it would guide her in the right direction.”

Through Lucky’s interactions with the townspeople, readers come to know the other characters of the book and Lucky’s impressions of them. For example, her Guardian Brigitte, who Lucky feels “did not fully realize all the ways Lucky was almost perfect, but she did notice thoroughly all the ways Lucky was not.” Miles is a friend to Lucky who is consumed with tying knots, and Lucky considers Miles “an artist, who could see the heart of the knot.” Another interesting character is Short Sammy, a recovering alcoholic whose rock bottom story Lucky enjoys hearing. Like all the characters in the book, Sammy is neither all good nor all bad. The balance Patron strikes in her creations makes these characters more believable and more charming. The residents of Hard Pan offer readers an opportunity to make connections and be entertained simultaneously.

Similar to the townspeople, the small town of Hard Pan is a quirky and interesting place. It provides a great backdrop for the plot; often the setting and plot are woven together. For example, the climax of the story takes place during a ferocious sandstorm in the California desert. This storm helps lead Lucky to believe that “some Higher Power was paying attention” and leads the story to a favorable resolution. Also, in other parts of the story which add action to the plot, the setting plays a role, such as when Brigitte discovers a desert creature (a snake) has made its way into her dryer. This is an exciting part of the book, and children will enjoy Lucky’s solution to the problem.

Along with the action, Lucky’s search for her Higher Power also drives the events in the plot. Because Brigitte hails from France, the setting of Hard Pan plays an important part in Lucky’s suspicions about her future with Brigitte. Ultimately, the isolated small town setting plays a powerful role in the book; Lucky enjoys the freedom of small town life as the plot unfolds.

Susan Patron’s writing style is also an effective part of the novel. Patron uses mostly straightforward language to convey distinctive descriptions and details. For example, Lucky describes her appearance as “sandy or mushroomy,” and in one moment of the story she believes the mucus she swallows while crying “tasted like the biggest sadness in the world.” Patron’s word choice adds interest and builds on the overall mood of the novel. Readers may be entertained by the funny, quirky tone and in turn be touched by the serious and sweet emotions conveyed through the earnest characters. Adding to the feel of this novel are Phelan’s black and white drawings. Although they are simple illustrations, they are effective in supplementing the details of the book without overwhelming the written word. All of these elements work together to create a book about friendship, family, and looking for and finding happiness.

*Personal Response

This is a short, easy to read book that I would recommend to my students. I most enjoyed the characters and Patron’s quirky style, and I believe that many kids would also find these elements interesting. Because the book often refers to finding a Higher Power and other twelve step program components, like Lucky, young readers may be curious about such meetings and the idea of a Higher Power.

*Review Excerpts

“Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights.”
BookList

“Readers will gladly give themselves over to Patron, a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem.”
Kirkus *Starred Review*

*Connections

-Explore the idea of Higher Powers through personal journal entries.
-Research the deserts of California. Is Patron’s depiction of Hard Pan realistic and accurate?
-Make connections to other “problem” novels.
-Discuss the last three chapters of the novel. (Is this a realistic ending? Would you like the book to end differently or stay the same? Explain your opinion.)
-Discuss themes of family, friends, and happiness. (What is the evidence? What connections can you make to these themes?)
-Consider the character of Lucky. (Would you like to spend time with Lucky? Why or why not?)