Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever novel connects family history with self-acceptance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
PENELOPE CRUMB is the name of Shawn K. Stout's latest middle-grade novel, and the name of the book's 9-year-old narrator, whose father died when she was a baby. When the book begins, a school art project shows something that Penelope finds unsettling: She has a large nose. Her mother later helps her gain perspective by showing her photos of other family members with the same characteristic. This is when Penelope learns that a family member whom she thought was dead -- like her dad -- is probably still alive. Another school assignment, to investigate her ancestors and create a Crumb coat of arms, inspires her to track down her long-lost relative, who she's sure can help her understand what belongs on her family crest.
Is It Any Good?
Penelope Crumb suffers mildly from a common problem that occurs when adults write in a kid's voice: The character seems a little too self-aware to be a real 9-year-old. However, the family issues in this novel are addressed with great sensitivity, particularly Penelope's mother's feelings, and the mother-daughter parts are moving. The book also includes funny, believable interactions between Penelope and her teen brother, Terrence (whom she calls "Terrible"), and makes clever, poignant connections between family history and self-acceptance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about family history and Penelope's coat of arms. What would you put on a coat of arms for your family?
Do you think Penelope sounds like a real fourth grader? What other books about fourth graders have you read?
Penelope skips school and disobeys her mom to look for Felix. Did she do the right thing?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Valeria Docampo
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : August 2, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 10
- Number of pages : 128
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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