January 29, 2013 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:   Ann Miller, 707-784-1506; amiller@solanocounty.com 

NEWBERY AWARD WINNER SUSAN PATRON CHOSEN FOR THIS YEAR’S SOLANO KIDS READ   

Susan Patron’s “The Higher Power of Lucky” is this year’s selection for Solano Kids Read.   The annual program sponsored by the Solano County Library Foundation, brings nationally celebrated authors to Solano County to meet with children and create memorable experiences with books and reading. “The Higher Power of Lucky” won children’s literature’s highest honor, the Newbery Award in 2007. “This book touches on issues that, unfortunately, are relevant in the lives of many children today. We think the book will resonate with our young readers, their families, and classmates. We hope ‘The Higher Power of Lucky’ generates much quality discussion at home and in classrooms,” said Juli Huston, one of the librarians organizing this year’s events.  

 The book is available at Solano County Library locations and can be reserved online at (www.solanolibrary.com). Classroom sets are also available to teachers to borrow and share with their students. Patron will visit March 19-21, 2013 (a complete list of events is at the end of this release).  

The story, generally considered appropriate for ages nine and up,revolves around Lucky, a plucky 10-year-old girl living in a very small desert town in California. Her mother is dead, her father is absent and she’s afraid her guardian is leaving.  As a future scientist she is curious about the world, though she doesn’t always understand what she discovers.   For example, when she hears about a rattlesnake biting a dog in the scrotum, she is puzzled by the word. She also eavesdrops on twelve-step meetings held at the local museum and wonders about the meaning of a “higher power.”  The climax of the story comes when Lucky, fearing the loss of her guardian, runs away and gets caught in a dust storm.  

In addition to the Newbery Award, “The Higher Power of Lucky” is a New York Times Bestseller, and an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book. According to School Library Journal, “The novel addresses difficult topics such as death, absent parents, and addiction with realism, humor, and wonder, making the overall message one of hope and love.”  

The second and third books in the Lucky trilogy are “Lucky Breaks” and “Lucky for Good.” 

EVENTS: 

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise stated, however seating is limited. For information contact 1-866-57-ASKUS.  Author Events: 

• Tues, March 19, Suisun City Library 8:45 a.m. (school event only) 
• Tues, March 19, D.H. White School, Rio Vista 1:00 p.m. (school event only)  
• Wed, March 20, Ulatis Community Center, (across from library) 9:30 a.m., 1000 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville 
• Wed, March 20, Fairfield Civic Center Library 3:30 p.m. includes book signing, 1150 Kentucky Street, Fairfield 
• Thur, March 21, Springstowne Library, 9:15 a.m., 1003 Oakwood Ave, Vallejo 
• Thur, March 21, John F. Kennedy Library, 11a.m., 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo 
• Thur, March 21, Vacaville Public Library-Town Square, 4 p.m., book signing only, 1 Town Square Place, Vacaville  

Tie-in Events (Rio Vista and Fairfield Cordelia libraries only): 

• Wednesday, February 20, 3:30 p.m, All Tied Up in Knots, Rio Vista Library,44 S. 2^nd Street, Rio Vista  
• Tuesday, March 12, Make Your Own Wind Chime, 3:30 p.m., Fairfield Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive, Fairfield             
• Thursday, March 14, 4 p.m., Kids Book Club, Fairfield Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive, Fairfield 
• Tuesday, March 19, 3:30 p.m., California Scavenger Hunt, Fairfield Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive