The Higher Power of Lucky

Title: The Higher Power of Lucky
Author: Susan Patron
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Genre: Children's Novel
Age group: Upper Elementary
Rating: 5 stars


When assigned the Higher Power of Lucky, I was admittedly not very enthused.  Novels such as this reminded me of my elementary and middle school days, where I was assigned short novels to read.  Hating the fact that I was being forced to read something against my will, especially a book I would not have chosen myself, lead me to strongly dislike these assigned readings.  However, it wasn't until I completed this novel in college that I have learned to truly appreciate novels aimed at its intended age group.  Ironically, I have a stronger appreciation for children's novels, and a greater understanding of their depth, now that I have read a book aimed at young children while I myself am a young adult.  


I found that the character of Lucky is more than just a child in a children's book.  She is a complicated being with depth and emotions that are sought out throughout the book by the reader.  What struck me within the first chapter is that Lucky's mind seemed too wise and mature for her child body.  Each chapter was exciting as I the reader was able to watch Lucky grow and develop.  But it wasn't necessarily the words at face value that intrigued me, but more so the feelings they evoked.  To my surprise, this book was not at all childish or at a "lower" reading level- it was a well written novel that could be perfectly enjoyable to an adult as well.  The references to more "adult" content such as Alcoholics Anonymous helped me as an older reader really take the book seriously as an actual novel rather than something written solely for kids.  At the same time, I enjoyed the child-like nature of Lucky's adventures, and the innocence of characters such as Miles and HMS Beagle.  


Although there has been controversy about this book (in terms of the word 'scrotum') I find this book to be an excellent choice for upper elementary readers.  I think it would be easy for readers to find someone to relate to in this book, whether it be Lucky, Lincoln, or Brigette.  I would imagine that children of Lucky's age would find her thoughts, emotions, and antics to be relatable or at the very least intriguing.  The illustrations are also a nice way to break up the text and help the children get visuals of things that may not see every day such as a burr.  If I were to teach in an upper elementary classroom, I would definitely implement this book into a lesson for its thoughtful writing, or the content regarding Lucky's self-discovery.  I feel that people of all ages could learn from the Higher Power of Lucky, and enjoy reading about this realistic and relatable character.