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Penny from Heaven

(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Jennifer Holm)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Slow but intriguing Newbery Honor book.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A boy wants to be a criminal like his dad. Japanese are referred to as "Japs."

  • Violence:

    A couple of fistfights, a rather gruesome accidental injury, description of a hospital ward with injured children, mention of wife abuse.

  • Sex:

    A kiss.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    A beer brand is mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults smoke cigarettes and cigars; drinking; alcoholic parent; a 12-year-old sips wine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Penny from Heaven

Parents need to know that the central event of this story is a rather gruesome injury in which a child gets her arm caught in a wringer machine. She then meets other injured children in the hospital. There is some mention of wife abuse, and one parent is an alcoholic.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the Italian-American internment. Why was it done? Why was it hidden for so long, unlike the Japanese internment? Why do they hide it from Penny? The book offers resources to find out more about it.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    woodsl15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Read Penny From Heaven

    It is a great book. There are some sad parts, but that's okay!What's a book without some emotions?

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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