Title: Penny From Heaven
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Genre: Children's Historical Fiction / Family & Coming-of-Age
Edition: True First Edition, First Printing (Pre-Award State)
Publisher: Random House, New York
Step back into the nostalgic world of mid-century America with this heartwarming, multi-generational historical fiction novel that captures the complex beauty of a large immigrant family. The story follows eleven-year-old Penny, a bright young girl who envisions her 1953 summer vacation to be an idyllic blur of butter pecan ice cream, trips to the community pool, and neighborhood baseball games. However, family dynamics and external realities quickly complicate her dreams.
Penny's story strikes a memorable chord with young listeners as she balances humorous domestic situations against deep family secrets. For starters, her overprotective mother forbids her from stepping foot in the public swimming pool out of a terrifying fear that Penny will contract polio. To make matters weirder, her favorite maternal uncle is currently residing entirely out of his car, while her Italian grandmother, Nonny, bursts into tears every time her late father's name is uttered. Worst of all, the two distinct sides of Penny's family are locked in a stubborn feud and refuse to speak to one another. As the hot summer unfolds, Penny uncovers painful secrets regarding her father's past and learns that even the most ominous storms can yield unexpected blessings.
Rich with period atmosphere and emotional truth, this is an excellent read-aloud story for families looking to explore historical domestic themes, identity, and generational healing.
Author Jennifer L. Holm (1968 - Present): A New York Times bestselling American author of children's historical fiction, contemporary novels, and graphic narratives. Drawing frequent inspiration from her own diverse background growing up in an energetic Italian-American household, Holm possesses an ability to ground historical eras in authentic childhood emotion. She is one of a select few authors to achieve the honor of winning three distinct Newbery Medals/Honors for Our Only May Amelia (2000), Penny From Heaven (2007), and Turtle in Paradise (2011). She partnered with her brother, Matthew Holm, to create the graphic novel series Babymouse and Squish, which transformed comic formats for elementary-aged readers globally.
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Condition: Near Fine/Fine. There's a small red heart stamped in the upper right corner of the front flyleaf.
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