Common Sense Media Review
Sisters romp through summer in old-fashioned charmer.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say that this book is a charming start to a series centered around four sisters who embark on summer adventures, filled with moments of humor and heartfelt themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery. While many praise its relatable characters and engaging storytelling, some express concerns about language and themes that may not resonate with every reader, particularly younger children.
- family bonds
- character growth
- engaging storytelling
- humor and heart
- age-appropriate themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a charming and heartwarming tale featuring four distinct sisters whose adventures and close-knit relationships resonate with readers of all ages, often likened to a modern rendition of classic stories. Many appreciate the realistic character portrayals and engaging narrative, although some are put off by age differences in romantic interests, yet overall, it is seen as a delightful and wholesome read for families.
- wholesome story
- relatable characters
- family bonds
- timeless appeal
- strong role models
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The Penderwicks -- responsible older sister Rosalind, 12; temperamental Skye, 11; budding writer Jane, 10; little Batty, 4; and their botanist father (their mother is dead) -- head out for a summer vacation at a rented cottage on the Arundel estate in the Berkshires. There they meet Jeffrey, the musically talented son of Mrs. Tifton, the snobbish owner of the estate, and Cagney, the teen groundskeeper. After some initial social disasters, the girls and Jeffrey get to be good friends, and Rosalind develops a crush on Cagney.
But Mrs. Tifton, supported by her equally mean and stuck-up beau Dexter Dupree, doesn't approve of the Penderwick girls or their friendship with her son. After a miserable and disastrous birthday party for Jeffrey, they overhear his mom and Dupree planning to marry and send Jeffrey away to military school. Gentle, artistic Jeffrey is horrified, and when his mother won't listen to his pleas, he plans to run away.
Is It Any Good?
THE PENDERWICKS is a leisurely paced, old-fashioned kind of story about children enjoying a summer of outdoor play. It won the 2005 National Book Award and was a bit hit with readers and critics who delighted in its humor, family dynamics, and nostalgic atmosphere, despite a copule of one-note characters (the mean and snobbish Mrs. Tipton and her boyfriend).
The Penderwicks spawned the successful sequels The Penderwicks on Gardam Street and The Penderwicks at Point Mouette.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters' behavior. Is Mrs. Tifton correct in her criticism of Mr. Penderwick's parenting?
How do you think the Penderwicks' childhood is different from how most kids live today?
Is it fun to see how kids can make up their own fun all day long without texting or playing video games?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : November 20, 2005
- Number of pages : 262
- Last updated : February 15, 2026
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