[LM_NET] HIT: The Higher Power of Lucky

[Dana Nilsson <dnilsson@DURANGO.K12.CO.US>]

Of all the responses I received (25), all but one Elementary school said
they would not buy the book. I've combined comments and added my
comments at the end: Many people felt all the parts about the scrotum
could be deleted from the book and not detract from the story of the
little girl's life. Also the idea of a dog being bit in that area is
pretty far reaching. A snake may bite a dog on the nose, the foot, the
neck...but to reach between the legs is highly unlikely--for those of us
that live in rural country and desert areas, this seemed quite a stretch
just to include those private types of words and provide shock. Also
most kids don't know what a 12 step program is and it was not clearly
explained at all. Only 1 response said they loved the book and thought
it was hilarious. Some Librarians teach other classes as well and some
mentioned the following:  As a writing teacher one of our goals is to
know our audience when writing a piece. Personally, I feel  this author
missed the mark, as well as the editors and publishers and the Newbery
committee. This book included what I call a Howard Stern type Shock
treatment just to see how far they could push that envelope, but they
didn't have the children in mind. How very sad. I have decided to send
the book up to our Middle school where the word is probably known by the
students, but I doubt they will find the book interesting because it is
about a younger girl...this book just doesn't have an audience because
of basically three paragraphs in the entire book that should have been
edited more carefully. 

Thank you LMer's for support about this book. I am definitely not
alone. When I find time, I plan to write letters to all the above
involved and I encourage all of you too. John Newbery began his award
for quality literature for children. What would he think of this book? 


Dana Nilsson
Teacher/Librarian
Sunnyside Elementary
Durango, CO

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