The Higher Power of Lucky

by Susan Patron

This book has been in the news of late because it won the Newberry Prize (I think, currently the most prestigious in the US for children's literature) for 2006 and because it uses the word "scrotum" on the first page, and two or three times more.

The use of the word prompted some librarians all over the US to ban the book as well as lively discussions among parents in chatrooms and listservs.

Really??? "Scrotum"? That's a scientific term. Much more scientific than "nuts" or "balls". And pretty consistent with the character who uses the word.

The controversy would've been good for the book I think if it wasn't a book for young adults, whose reading may still largely be policed by adults. But aside from the controversy I think the book is worth reading for itself. It's short and sweet and very smart.

Lucky is an insecure child--her mother died in a thunderstorm two years before, never knew her father, and is currently looked after by her guardian, Brigitte, her father's first, French wife. She lives in fear each day of being abandoned by Brigitte as well and being forced to leave Hard Pan, CA. She earns a little extra money by cleaning up after -Anonymous meetings (Smokers, Overeaters, Alcoholics) and eavesdrops on the participants (which is where she hears the word "scrotum", though she has no idea what it might be) and is in search of her own Higher Power, in case she reaches Rock Bottom some day.

This is a lovely story of family and hope, with your requisite misunderstanding and high drama. Things turn out okay for Lucky--she finds her HIgher Power and family. And she finds out what "scrotum" means.