Historical Fiction Book Review: Penny From Heaven

Bibliography

Holm, Jennifer L.. 2006. Penny From Heaven. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0375836896

Plot Summary

Penny's father is deceased but she has the next best thing, his brothers.  Penny's father came from a large Italian- American family with uncles that adore her so much.  Penny's mother married into the Falucci clan, and after Penny's father's death her mother and grandmother do not mingle with her dad's crew and vice versa.  Penny is about to turn twelve and all kinds of things are starting to happen to her.  She's starting to notice boys and she sees how overprotective her mother is.  She's hanging around her cousin Frankie who is getting into trouble left and right.  Penny's mother starts dating the most unpopular guy-the milkman.  When Penny gets involved in a gruesome accident, the truth about her father's mysterious death begins to unravel.

Critical Analysis        

This is a special book because the characterization is detailed, realistic and multi-layered.  The post-war 1950's are so vivid you feel as though you are a character in this novel. Many of the events in the book are based on anecdotes told by Holm's family members. And it explores a forgotten bit of WWII history that I've never read about before.  Just as this book talks about death, family, pets, miracles, and love of all kinds, these are all things everyone can relate to and sympathize with.  

Reviews Excerpts/Awards/Honors

John Newbery Medal Honor Book

American Library Association Notable Children’s Book

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details from everyday life.”

KIRKUS: “Penny’s present-tense narration is both earthy and observant, and her commentary on her families’ eccentricities sparkles.”

BOOKLIST: “…this languidly paced novel will appeal most to readers who appreciate gentle, episodic tales with a nostalgic flavor.”

Connections       

-Read Our Only May Amelia by the author Jennifer L. Holm.

-Read other books about Italian families such as, The Boy of San Joaquin by D. James Smith, or Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech.

-Look for additional information on the author. Biography Resource Center

“Jennifer L. Holm.” Contemporary Authors Online, Gale, 2007 Reproduced in

Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2007.

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