Book post: The Higher Power of Lucky

Book cover from Simon & Schuster

Patron, S. (2006). The higher power of Lucky. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

*Winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal*

Lucky is trying to find her "Higher Power." She helps clean up at Hard Pan's Found Object Wind Chime Museum and Visitor Center, which serves as the meeting place for all sorts of twelve-step meetings, and she loves to eavesdrop on the stories of how people found their higher power. She lives with her father's ex-wife Brigitte since her mother died, and she is constantly worried that Brigitte will realize how much easier her life would be without Lucky. Therefore, she sets out on her own with her trusty survival kit. It would be fun to watch videos of desert dust storms and learn more about the desert ecosystem to get an idea of what the conditions are like when Lucky runs away. This story has a great message of love, family, and friendship, which makes it empowering for everyone, including those from broken homes.