THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY

This 2006 Newbery winner is filled with superb characterizations, and the talented Cassandra Campbell turns each into a splendid dramatic opportunity. The eccentric heroine is 10-year-old Lucky, who entertains herself by eavesdropping on AA meetings at the Found Object Wind Chime Museum and Visitor Center. Campbell slips into the Southern drawl of one of the "anonymous people" who talk about a "Higher Power" and subtly communicates Lucky's own longing for support. Campbell gives Lucky's beautiful guardian, Brigitte, a French accent and a tone of vagueness that makes Lucky wonder if Brigitte might leave. Campbell enlivens fascinating characters, like Lucky's knot-artist friend, Lincoln, and gives Lucky depth as she reveals her unresolved grief over her mother's death. S.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]