Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming family series spotlights Batty in 4th volume.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Thanks to a new music teacher, 10-year-old Batty learns that her talent for singing is very special. Anxious to pay for voice lessons, Batty finds a job walking the neighbors' dogs. But Batty's not sure she can trust herself to take care of a dog; she thinks it's her fault that her beloved pet Hound passed away a few months back. Meanwhile, her sister Skye has broken things off with Jeffrey, and that means the one person Batty can really talk to about what's important is cut off from her, too. When she accidentally overhears a shocking secret about her mother's death, the burden becomes too much for Batty to bear, and she finds that she can't sing anymore. Something's got to give, or Batty just might break.
Is It Any Good?
THE PENDERWICKS IN SPRING continues to charm and delight as the spotlight turns its intense focus onto fifth-grader Batty. Author Jeanne Birdsall strikes a nice balance between the in-depth exploration of Batty's emotional life and the everyday chaos of a large blended family. Her distinctive characters and eye for the telling detail make keeping track of who's who easy and fun. Readers may find they shed a tear or two when Birdsall's simple prose, with genuine heart, effortlessly packs an emotional wallop.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this fourth installment compares with the other Penderwicks books. Which is your favorite? How do you think the series will end?
Batty's feelings about her mother's death are too much for her to handle alone. Do you keep your feelings to yourself? Do you think it would help to talk about them with someone? Whom do you like to talk to?
Batty earns extra money by walking the neighbors' dogs. What are some ways you could earn money? What would you like to save up for, if you could?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : March 24, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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