PENNY FROM HEAVEN by Jennifer L. Holm Book Review

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer L. 2006. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. New York: Random House. ISBN 037583687X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In the summer of 1953, life for almost 12 year old Penny is split between the mother and grandparents she lives with and the Italian relatives of her deceased father who adore her. On one side, her mother is so protective and strict; Penny is not even allowed to swim in a public pool due to her mother’s fear of her catching polio. On the other side, her many uncles, aunts and Nonny will do anything to make up for her father not being here such as buy her expensive coats, a new bicycle and tickets to the Bums baseball games. Even with all of this, Penny still wishes for all the people she loves to quit hating each other, her favorite uncle to stop living in a car and for someone to tell her about her father. One day, while her best friend (and cousin) Frankie and her were searching for their grandfather’s buried treasure in Nonny’s basement, Penny’s arm accidentally gets pulled through the wringer. After spending the summer in the hospital, and overcoming the odds of never using her arm again, Penny learns of the history between the two families, the truth behind her father’s death and even bonds with her new spontaneous step father. Once again, something good arises from something bad.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though this is a fiction story, the inspiration derives from Holm’s own Italian American family. Her own mother was the original Penny, after her grandfather died while her grandmother was pregnant. Items from the story such as the shortwave radio, fancy coats from her uncle, fear of polio, relative living in a car, fancy Italian meals and a grandmother wearing black, were all true stories from Holm’s own family history. Therefore, the authenticity of the time period is not only believable, but personally true. Even the inclusion of Dem Bums helped recreate the details of the 1950’s. The overall theme, the power of family love, prevails as the miracle of Penny’s arm healing is the proof. Children from split homes today will easily relate to the pressures Penny faced of keeping two sides, two different families happy. This novel shines as it shows the ups and downs of being part of a family.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newberry Honor Book

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details from everyday life. The period is lovingly re-created, from the fear of catching polio to Penny's use of the word swell. An author's note with photos is included.”

BOOKLIST review: “Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of vivid characters (a burping, farting grandpa; an eccentric uncle who lives in his car--"not exactly normal for people in New Jersey"). Concluding with a photo-illustrated endnote explaining Holm's inspirations in family history, this languidly paced novel will appeal most to readers who appreciate gentle, episodic tales with a nostalgic flavor.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Invite local experts, such as students’ grandparents or other relatives, who remember life in the 1950’s and are willing to speak to the class.

*Research the poem and/or the song “Pennies from Heaven” by analyzing the words/lyrics. Relate the meaning of these to the main character’s (Penny) name.

*Children can research the prejudices against Italian Americans. How did these prejudices affect lifestyles? How was it similar to other races or nationalities that faced prejudices?

*Other books by Jennifer L. Holm:
Holm, Jennifer L. OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA. ISBN 0064408566

Holm, Jennifer L. THE TROUBLE WITH MAY AMELIA. ISBN 1416913734

Holm, Jennifer L. TURTLE IN PARADISE. ISBN 0375836888