The Higher Power of Lucky    by Susan Patron & Matt Phelan Order:  USA  Can Atheneum, 2006 (2006) Hardcover     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel Ten-year-old Lucky lives in the high desert town of Hard Pan with her guardian Brigitte. With a population of 43, no one in Hard Pan is well off and everyone receives government surplus groceries. Housing ranges from trailers to a the water tank that Short Sammy calls home. Two years ago when Lucky's mother died, Brigitte, her dad's first wife, came from France to take care of her until a foster home could be found. Lucky's dad never wanted children so Lucky hopes that Brigitte will come to love her enough to stay in California and take care of her forever. When it looks like Brigitte is about to go back to France, Lucky stages a runaway during a dust storm. Fortunately Lucky takes her trusty dog, HMS Beagle, and her survival kit along with her, because the dust storm becomes serious. Lucky will find a place in readers' hearts in spite of her meanness gland that makes her do hateful things even when she knows better. Matt Phelan's clever black and white illustrations add spice to an already witty story. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews