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Penny from Heaven (by Jennifer L. Holm)

common sense media says

Slow but intriguing Newbery Honor book.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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 applicable.
Consumerism: A beer brand is mentioned.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults smoke cigarettes and cigars; drinking; alcoholic parent; a 12-year-old sips wine.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Penny from Heaven

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Penny's father is long dead, and no one will tell her what happened to him. She lives with her mother and grandparents, who live a rather dull and straitlaced life. But her father's family lives nearby -- grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins -- and they're anything but straitlaced.

Her cousin/best friend, Frankie, wants to be a criminal -- just like his incarcerated father. Penny's Uncle Dominic lives in his car by choice and harbors a sad secret. Her Aunt Gina and her grandmother, Nonny, live in the same house but can't stand each other, so they have separate kitchens. And now, much to Penny's chagrin, her mother is dating the milkman. Penny from Heaven includes an Author's Note, a family album of photos, and resources.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is a typical Newbery book -- one that only librarians and their circle of favorite girl readers will love. The first half is a slooooow but evocative and nostalgic slice of life in a '50s Italian family in suburban New Jersey -- fear of polio, saying "swell," rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers, eating abundantly, etc. Getting through this part takes patience and real reading experience.

Things pick up in the second half, when a terrible accident leads to secrets revealed and families reconciled. It's all beautifully written and fascinating (though more to adults than to most kids), and it reveals a true but little-known historical event.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: July 1, 2006
Number of pages: 274
Hardcover price: $15.95
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 10
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

haileydi
teen, 15 years old
9
 
A Fantastic Read For Teen Girls
I read this book as a fifth-grader, and I absolutely loved it then. Now, as an eighth grader, I still pull this book of my shelf every once in a while, and I enjoy it just as much as I did when I experienced it for the first time. Penny From Heaven is a must read for girls.
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jobeargagnon
teen, 15 years old
9
 
just right for 10-12 year olds.
I thought it was cute. It peerfectly described life foe italian-american families in the late 50's, and was a deligthful read
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sojay
teen, 14 years old
11
 
GOOD BOOK!
It's a good book, but I don't think that anyone under the age of 11 should read it because the story is about an 11 year old girl so younger kids may not understand it, however, it is great for all ages above.
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woodsl15
teen, 14 years old
 
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?
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Megz
teen, 16 years old
2
 
BEST BOOK EVER!
LOVE IT! THIS IS TOTALLY THE BEST BOOK EVER! YOU HAVE GOT TO READ IT! AND THE INAPPROPRIATE STUFF UP THERE, THOSE ARE ALL LITTLE DETAILS! THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING SCARY OR BAD!! YOU HAVE GOT TO READ IT!
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CrazyBlu4Eva
kid, 10 years old
11
 
A Very Well Written Book
I love this book so much!But I don't even know if the story is real or not because at some of the last pages of the book there were old photos of the characters in the story.A delightful read for anyone.
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STEPHANIEEE
teen, 17 years old
10
 
FOR ANYONEEEEEEE!
I LOVE IT! DEFINATELLY ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ IN MUY LIFE! OR IF NOT, THE BEST! I WOULD RECOMEND IT TO ANYBODY! AND ABOUT THE VIOLENCE? WHATTA HECK?! OKAY NOT LIKE YOUR KIDS ARE GONNA BE STUPID ENOUGH TO ACCTUALLY DO ANYTHING THAT IS IN THE BOOK! AND IF THEY DO THEY ARE MENTALLY STUPID(: THIS BOOK IS GREAT(; READ OR ILL CUT YOU! :D
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