Book Review – Penny from Heaven
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer L. 2006. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375936874
Holm, Jennifer L. 2006. PENNY FROM HEAVEN [SOUND RECORDING]. New York: Random House/Listening Library. ISBN 0739331116
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Barbara Ann Falucci was her given name, although no one in her family ever called young 11-year-old “Penny” by it. The summer of 1953 in New Jersey was the time and place. Long days of dreaming about things in her “Heaven,” like butter pecan ice cream, watching “Dem Bums” play baseball, and taking a dip in the pool was on her mind. Penny lived with her well-meaning, yet restrictive, mom and maternal grandparents Me-me and Pop-pop in a two-story house. The “plain old American” grandparents moved in after her father died. The death of her father before she got to know him was no deterrent for Penny to spend time with and love his boisterous Italian family. Her paternal grandmother Nonny and numerous uncles on her dad’s side of the family, especially her favorite eccentric uncle who lived in his car, Dominic, helped fill a void that her father left behind. To top it off, keeping up with her mischievous best friend in the whole-wide-world, Cousin Frankie, and their many adventures occupied her time.
Penny undoubtedly has great love for both sides of her family. Yet, they both clash and never interact, which mysteriously has something to do with her father’s death. As Penny faces a horrendous tragedy near the end of the summer, she finally finds out the circumstances surrounding why her dad died, why everyone avoided talking about it, revelations explaining her nickname, as well as her witnessing both families mend fences. Take a trip not too far back in time and follow Penny in this emotional story that will leave you appreciating the differences in life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Newbery Honor-Winning author Jennifer Holm takes readers on a much appreciated emotional roller coaster in Penny from Heaven. Including humorous daily adventures of Penny and her cousin Frankie, the subject of her father’s death, Pop-pop’s quirky antics, the horror of Penny’s accident with the clothes wringer, her mom deciding to remarry – with the local milkman, no less, the anger involving racism against Italians during World War II, and the joy of a reuniting family balances the many feelings in which readers both young and old can relate.
Holm’s clear narrative style is easy to follow. The story is further enhanced by narrator Amber Sealey’s voice in the audio-version, which included several Italian and east coast accents, and light jargon of the 1950’s. Not being able to go to the movies or swimming in public arenas because of her mother’s fear of her catching polio, listening to baseball games on the radio because it was too expensive to have a TV, and doing the laundry by hand with a clothes wringer are only a few things that will show that there were no quick fixes in those days.
Both Holm’s and Sealey’s renditions were delivered in a way that was not overwhelmingly stereotypical, but believable in regards to the time and events. Kudos to Holm for including in the author’s notes a family photo album and explanation of what true events from her own life were interlaced. Youngsters of today will definitely identify with the theme of family as well as learn about some issues of the past as they read this intriguing historical fiction tale.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
NEWBERY HONOR BOOK 2007
ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK 2007
KIRKUS: “Holm has crafted a leisurely, sprawling period piece…eminently worthwhile.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Amber Sealey's narration enhances the telling…warmth and humor abound.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Holm's plot has surprising twists and turns and plenty of evocative flavor.”
BOOKLIST: "Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of
vivid characters."
5. CONNECTIONS
· In reality, 1953 was not that long ago. However, to a kid it may seem like ancient history. Have students interview a relative, teacher, or community member age 60 to 70 to gain information about their experiences in the 1950’s time period. Students should report findings and compare the experiences with those of Penny.
· Another book about an 11-year-old female protagonist in a time not too long ago (1960’s):
Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. ONE CRAZY SUMMER. ISBN 0060760885
· Be sure to check out the author’s website for more wonderful selections: http://www.jenniferholm.com
Other resources used:
http://www.kirkusreviews.com
This book review was created as an assignment for a course at
Texas Woman’s University.
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