A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful, curious preteen is starting to navigate the complexities of growing up, testing parental trust, and figuring out their place in the world. This sequel to the Newbery Medal winner 'The Higher Power of Lucky' follows eleven-year-old Lucky as she deals with a shifting friendship, a desire for more independence from her guardian, and her own insatiable curiosity about the universe. It's a gentle, character-driven story that normalizes the confusing feelings of this age. Its warm, reassuring tone makes it a perfect choice for introspective kids ready for quiet, emotionally resonant stories about finding your own way.
The death of Lucky's mother is a background fact from the previous book, not an event that occurs in this one. It is handled in a secular, matter-of-fact way. The story's main conflicts (lying, jealousy, friendship shifts) are resolved in a hopeful and realistic manner, focusing on communication and understanding.
Ideal Reader
An introspective 9 to 12-year-old who prefers character-driven stories over fast-paced plots. This is perfect for a child who is just beginning to feel the awkwardness of changing friendships, or one who is starting to crave more independence and feels misunderstood by their parents or guardians.
Parent Prep
A parent might want to preview Chapters 10-12, where Lucky and her friends sneak out at night. The event is not dangerous, but it leads to a key conversation about trust, responsibility, and growing up. The book can be read cold, but being prepared for this conversation could be beneficial. A parent overhears their child complaining about a best friend including a new person in their group. Or, the child expresses frustration with family rules, saying things like, "You still treat me like a baby," or starts to become more secretive.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will primarily connect with the friendship plot: Lincoln's jealousy, the fun of a secret club, and the feeling of having to choose between friends. An older reader (11-13) will more deeply understand Lucky's internal struggle for a separate identity and her complex, loving relationship with her guardian, Brigitte. They will better appreciate the book's quiet, philosophical tone.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many middle-grade books focused on school settings, this story's power comes from its unique, quirky setting in the California desert and its cast of eccentric, loving townspeople. The writing is lyrical and thoughtful, exploring big feelings through small, everyday moments. It champions curiosity and introspection as core parts of growing up.
Read plot summary
Eleven-year-old Lucky is navigating life in the tiny desert town of Hard Pan. Her primary challenges in this installment involve friendship and trust. Her best friend, Lincoln, is feeling possessive and wants to form a secret society just for the two of them. This is complicated by the arrival of Paloma, a visitor who becomes friends with Lucky, creating a classic friendship triangle. At the same time, Lucky yearns for more independence from her guardian, Brigitte. This leads her to sneak out at night with her friends, a decision that tests Brigitte's trust and forces them to redefine their relationship as Lucky matures.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lincoln wants his and Lucky's friendship to be a 'secret society of two.' Why do you think he feels this way when Paloma arrives? Have you ever felt like a new person was changing your friendship with someone?
2
Lucky decides to sneak out at night to see the stars, even though she knows Brigitte would not approve. What were her reasons for going? Was the consequence fair? What does it mean to earn a parent's trust?
3
At the end, Lucky feels she is part of many things: 'a town, a family, a friendship, a galaxy.' What do you think this means? What different groups or communities do you feel you belong to?
4
Brigitte gives Lucky more freedom after they talk about the 'sneaking out' incident. Why do you think talking about the problem honestly helped change the situation?
