Penny from Heaven
by Jennifer L. Holm

    PENNY FROM HEAVEN by Jennifer L. Holm
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  7/25/06
    Publisher:  Random House
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    PENNY FROM HEAVEN, a new offering by author Jennifer L. Holm, is an excellent pick for middle grade
    readers. Set in the early 1950’s, it tells a story of everyday life and rich Italian heritage.

    Penny lives with her mother and her grandparents. At the start of the novel, she’s almost twelve. Most of her time is
    spent hanging out in the neighborhood with her cousin and best friend, Frankie.

    Bike riding would be fun, but Penny’s bike was unfortunately backed over in the driveway. Going swimming in the
    city pool or taking in an afternoon matinée sounds like quality entertainment, but Penny’s mom believes those places
    are breeding grounds for the dreaded polio everyone seems to be contracting. That doesn’t leave much to do, but
    Penny and Frankie always seem to find something to get into. It might be an attempt to fix the leaky toilet that turns
    into a major repair job, or the secret mission to discover if great-grandma Nonny wears black underwear to match
    her old-fashioned black dresses.

    Penny is surrounded by tons of Italian aunts and uncles, but she misses her father. His death years ago is still
    shrouded in mystery, one that Penny seems unable to uncover. Her mother is becoming interested in Mr. Mulligan,
    the milkman.  Penny’s attempts to pair her mother up with favorite Uncle Dominic fail miserably.

    Day-to-day life is pretty predictable for Penny and her family until the unthinkable happens. After a tragic accident,
    Penny finds herself making plans for a very different life. Readers’ emotions will be tested as Penny’s story unfolds.

    Jennifer L. Holm is also known for Newbery Honor book OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA and her BOSTON JANE
    series, which is my personal favorite.