With the firestorm and controversy out of which The Higher Power of Lucky emerged unscathed, I am more than ever confirmed in my belief that librarianship is a noble profession, essential to free speech and free access for children. It is crucial to children’s ability to make sense of this fragile, battered world — the world we’re handing over to them. I’m grateful to have spent thirty-five years promoting children’s books. It’s work you can look back on and know you made a difference in people’s lives, and as cliched as that sounds, I believe it profoundly.
— Susan Patron, Newbery Medal Acceptance Speech, June 24, 2007.