The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron- 2007 Newbery Medal

The Higher Power of Lucky is a unique ans quirky volume of fiction for young readers. Lucky is a girl living in a small town whose mother died a couple of years ago. Her father, who never really wanted children, decides to bring his ex-wife, from France to take care of Lucky, though Lucky doubts she even wants to be there at all. Lucky herself is a fun, lovable, sometimes questionable character who loves Charles Darwin and calls her dog the HMS Beagle. She overhears some of the rhetoric from her small town's 12-step meetings and starts looking for her higher power, and when she perceives three 'signs' that Brigette is going to leave her on her own, Lucky decides to run away.
I thought this book was very quirky and loved Lucky's energy. This book was really moving and a quick read, and I do recommend it.However, this book sparked some controversy over the use of the word 'scrotum' several times, which earned it bans from school libraries and teacher's collections across the country.

I've never read anything else by this author, but this book compares very well to some other classics in the young adult genre. Lucky has a slightly strange upbringing, and her friends are just as eccentric as she is, which makes for much more intriguing reading than say, Babysitter's Club books, with squeaky clean, nearly unbeleivable characters with run-of-the-mill problems which are meant to be relatable, but teeter on boring and a little silly.

I learned from the Higher Power of Lucky that simply because it's a children's story doesn't mean it has to be boring or run-of-the-mill. The Higher Power of Lucky is a really interesting, engaging story with a fresh, new take on dealing with a difficult upbringing and a confusing, unsure future.