Penny from Heaven
by Jenifer L. Holm
1.
Holm, Jennifer. 2006. Penny from Heaven. New York, N Y: The Yearling Book. ISBN 9780375836893
2.Summary
This is a coming of age story of eleven year old Penny
Falucci. Set in the summer of 1953, post
WWII, in a small New Jersey town. The story takes us through Penny’s daily-life
adventures and shows us what it is like to grow up in the 1950’s. Penny spends her time working at her uncle’s
grocery store, hanging out with her cousin Frankie and spending time with her
big Italian family of her late father. Her father’s family dotes on penny trying to fill the place
of her late father. Penny lives with her mother Eleanor, her grandmother Me-Me, and grandfather Pop-Pop. Penny, however, has many unanswered
questions. For instance, why no
one will talk about her father’s death? Or, why her two families do not speak
and why her Uncle Dominic, her favorite uncle, lives in a car? Penny’s world begins to turn upside
down when her mom starts dating the Milkman, Mr. Mulligan. Penny is not happy and at every turn lets
her mother know. Then a tragic accident occurs
that turns both sides of the Penny’s family upside down. The story of her father starts to unfold and
a shocking history from Americas past.
Penny from Heaven, a historical fiction Newberry
Honor Book, by Jenifer Holms is an outstanding and well written novel sure to
grab the attention of readers age 9-15.
Not only does the story give insight into Americas past but it teaches
readers about the love of families and the events that can tear them
apart. In this narrative, coming of age
story penny takes us through her everyday adventures of her childhood in the 1950’s. Readers learn how Italians were treated in
1950's because of Italy’s role in WWII and through the proclamation 2527
labeling non-naturalized Italians as enemies. The writing is moving and
heartfelt, as are the characters. Even
though it is set in 1950, young readers can
still relate to Penny and her struggles with boys, family, loss of a father,
her mother dating, and finding herself.
Readers will feel the tension from the families and Penny’s irritation
with her mom. The story also deals with
issues such as prejudice and forgiveness. The characters are compelling,
well-defined and likable. Holm’s grabs readers with her eye for
details in the way she portrays the personalities and emotions of the
characters and describes the setting and events in history. A captivating
read!!
4. Excerpt Reviews
ALA Notable Children's Books 2007
Newbery Honor 2007
Publishers weekly ( 2007) – “Readers will enjoy observing Penny's growth, how she mediates a peace
among her family members and offers a glimmer of heaven."
Booklist (2006) –“this languidly paced novel will appeal most to readers who appreciate
gentle, episodic tales with a nostalgic flavor.”
5. Connections
·
Have students research the arrest of
non-naturalized Italian Americans during World War II. Have them write a letter to penny explaining
WHY her father was imprisoned.
Websites to research:
The National Italian American
Foundation http://www.niaf.org/
Una Storia Segreta- When Italian
Americans were “Enemy Aliens”
http://www.segreta.org/
·
Students can research their own family
and create a project to present to the class. Students can include family
photos, mementos or bring in their relatives.
·
Students can compare and contrast both
sides of their families.
Related
Books
Nonfiction Books:
·
Italian
Americans by Michael Witkowski
·
Ellis
Island by Hal Marcovitz
Fiction:
·
A Corner of the
Universe, Ann M. Martin
·
Olivia’s
Ocean by Kevin Henkes
Other Books by Jenifer Holms
·
Our
only May Amelia
·
Turtles
in Paradise
Willow Run
Patricia Reilly Giff
1.
Giff, Patricia. 2005. Willow Run.
New York, N Y: The Yearling Book.
ISBN 9780440238010
2. Summary
Margaret
“Meggie” Dillon lives with her family in Rockaway, New York. It is the summer of 1944 in the midst of WWII
and Meggie’s world has turned upside down. Not only is her brother fighting in
the war but her father has just taken a job in Willow Run, Michigan to build airplanes
at the Ford Factory to help the war effort. Now Meggie has to leave her friend
Lily and beloved grandfather behind.
While in Michigan, Meggie makes new friends with kids whose parents also
work in the factories and are also dealing with loved ones in the war. They forge a bond and together deal with the
war in their own way. Throughout Meggie’s
journey she makes discoveries about herself and learns many valuable lessons.
The Dillon
family, awaiting reports after the battle on Normandy Beach about Eddie,
receives horrifying news. A telegram that
Eddie is “Missing in action ….. possible still alive”. The family struggles to keep it together
during the war and status of the brother. The
only thing left now for the Dillon family is hope. Will Eddie make it
home? Will the Dillon family be
reunited? Only time will tell.
3. Critique
Willow Run,
a Historical fiction novel by Patricia Giff, is a moving and well written story sure to
grab the attention of readers age 8-14. Not only does the
story give insight into WWII but it teaches readers about courage, hope,
friendship and the love of families. In this narrative story told by the main
character Meggie Dillion, reader’s learn about the struggles of families
waiting at home for loved ones during WWII, the men and women who worked
in the factories, and of course loss. Giff’s details of the era transcend
the reader back in time creating a detailed picture of the setting and what it
was like to live in the 1940’s. She
names the songs that were sang such as “Coming In On A Wing And A Prayer” and
the sayings such as honie-ko-doke. She
also writes about the rationing of meats, wringer washers, eating SPAM and rag
curlers. Even
though the story is set in 1940, young readers can still relate to Meggie and
her struggles with making new friends, honesty, loyalty, living during
uncertain times, prejudice, moving from home, fear, leaving a best friend, and
missing family. Giff tells the story with truth and
emotion. The characters in the story are believable and readers can feel
their fears in this traumatic time in American life. Willow Run has a simple storyline written at a steady pace that
makes for a quick and easy read but told with a lot of emotion. In the end readers will walk away learning
that hope and courage will get you through hard times.
Authenticity:
The book did not include any resources consulted. However, Giff captures the era of the book with her
reference to music, foods and sayings of the time. Giff also is an award winning
author known for her outstanding children’s literature. In addition, Willow Run is her second novel to her award winning book Lily’s crossing.
4. Review Excerpts
Booklist(2005)
-Starred review- “Tough and tender, this is an excellent addition to World War
II shelves.”
School
Library Journal(2005) – “Giff's engrossing, heartwarming story will help
readers understand how personally war affects people.”
4. Connections
·
Can accompany a unit covering WWII in
American History.
·
Discuss the feelings of the characters
and the sacrifices made by the people not serving in the war.
·
Invite a veteran of the war to come in
and share stories or pictures with the class about WWII.
·
This book can be read along with its
companion Lily’s Crossing.
·
Can be used while studying the
historical fiction genre
Related
Books
DK
Eyewitness Book: World War II by
Simon Adams
Remember World War II: Kids Who Survived Tell Their Stories by Dorinda Nicholson
World
War II for Kids by Richard Panchyk
Other
books by Patricia Reilly Giff
Lily’s
Crossing
Eleven
Maggie’s
Door
Pictures
of Hollis Woods
All
the Way Home
The Green Glass Sea
(Audio
Version)
by Ellen Klages
Narrated by Julie Dretzen
Klages, Ellen. The Green Glass Sea.
2006. Read by Julie Dretzen. CD. Recorded Books Productions, 2007 ISBN 9781428146396
1.
Format
7
Compact Disc’s Included. It is packaged
in a plastic case that opens in the middle like a book. It has
four front and back slips for each CD.
Each slip contains three holes that fit on three rings located in the
spine of the case.
2.
It is an unabridged.
3. Narration: Julie Dretzen is the narrator and she is an adult TV actress.
4. Sound: The sound quality is excellent. The volume is steady and there is no background noise. The speech is clear and precise.
5. Background effects: There are no sound effects or music.
6. Describe the reading: The narrator, Julie Dretzen, used multiple voices for the different characters. The reading was monotone and the narrator’s voice was unappealing.
7. Discuss the front and backmatter:
The introduction announced the book, author, that it was unabridged and the narrator, Julie Dretzen. The closing announced the ending of the story, the title, author and copy right information. It also gave information on another book on tape that readers who enjoyed The Green Glass Sea would like called B for Buster by Lain Lawrence. In addition, it gave information on the Recorded Books Company and how to order other recorded books.
The introduction announced the book, author, that it was unabridged and the narrator, Julie Dretzen. The closing announced the ending of the story, the title, author and copy right information. It also gave information on another book on tape that readers who enjoyed The Green Glass Sea would like called B for Buster by Lain Lawrence. In addition, it gave information on the Recorded Books Company and how to order other recorded books.
8. Discuss the listening experience: The listening experience was long and unentertaining. It seemed to go on and on with no ending sight.
9. Evaluate the quality of the work using the usual literary elements appropriate to the genre.
Summary: It is 1943, in the midst of World War
II. Eleven year old Dewy Kerrigan
lives on “the hill” in Los Alamos, New Mexico with her mathematician
father. “The hill” is a top secret
military zone working on “the gadget” that’s going to end the war. Over the course of several years, readers
follow Dewy through her life on the hill.
Dewey is different than most girls.
She is mechanical and is always making things. Dewey struggles to fit in with the other
children on the hill. Dewey eventually
makes an unexpected friend with Suze Gordon when her father is sent to Washington
DC and Dewey has to go live with Suze and her parents. Together, these two girls try to find their
place in the uncertain times of the war and the making of the atomic bomb.
Critique: The Green Glass Sea
is a historical novel written by Ellen Klages.
It is the winner of the 2007 Scott O'Dell Award and the 2007 Judy Lopez
Award. The story is about World War II and the scientist and the families
involved in the Manhattan Project. The
story does not directly focus on the Atomic Bomb referred to as “the gadget”
but on the kids of the parents who are making it and the uncertainty of it.
Klage’s captures the feelings of the times through her strong writing style,
well defined characters and detailed descriptions of the setting and era. The story takes place in Los Alamos, New
Mexico, on “the hill”, a top secret military site. Klage’s creates a vivid picture in reader’s
minds with her strong, clear details of the setting. The story is told from the points of view of
Dewey Kerrigan and Suze Gordon. However,
the center of the story focuses on Dewey and her emotional journey dealing with
family, uncertainty, friendship, and loss. Young readers will identify with the
emotions and characteristics of Dewy and Suze. Dewey is awkward and “the smart
girl” and Suze is artistic and wants to fit in with the other kids on the
hill. The Characters are well rounded
and likable. Readers will get to know
each one and form an emotional connection.
Klage’s captures
the era of the book with her reference to music such as the Boogie Woggie Bugle Boy song and making
boxed spaghetti. For young readers not
familiar with WWII and the Manhattan Project, the book reads like a mystery
waiting to find out what “the gadget” is and what happens in the end. Klage’s beautifully
weaves together a realistic story that is one part history and the other parts growing
up and the importance of family in a child’s life.
Klage’s research is displayed on every page through
the detailed and factual writing of the events in history combined with a
bibliography and author notes at the end of the book. The use of real people, such as Robert Oppenheimer,
made the story more authentic. The
story’s creative writing along with the facts make it an educational and
entertaining read that will grab the attention of young readers age 10-15.
10. Discuss your response to the work; both the writing as a whole and the listening experience, in particular.
I
loved the story but I did not enjoy listening to the audio version. I am a visual learner and audio books are hard
for me to get into. In addition, I did not enjoy the narrator’s voice. I felt that it was monotone and that she did
not use enough inflection. I felt as though I missed parts of the story
from getting distracted and did not get the full effect of the book.
On
the other hand, I felt the writing was excellent. The author did a great job of creating a
picture in my mind of the characters and the setting. I felt
like I got to know the characters and felt their struggles. I enjoyed the way the author combined fact
and fiction to create a believable story that the reader learns a little bit
about Americas past from.
11. Evaluate the appeal of the work to its intended audience, in general and in the audio format.
As far as
the audio version is concerned, I feel this is a personal preference per
individual student weather they are going to like listening to the audio
version of the story. It might be a nice change for them in a classroom
situation instead of reading. Depending on
what type of learner the students are, it can help build comprehension. Teachers can use the audio version and have
students follow along in their books to build fluency.
As far as the story itself, students will enjoy it because it is a coming
of age story that they can relate to. Student
will identify with the characters emotions and personalities. Even though it is set in the 1940’s, it deals
with some of the same topics that students deal with today such as loss, family
problems, fitting in and uncertain times. The story gives students an optimistic
perspective on dealing with life’s situations from the way that Suze and Dewey
handle themselves. In addition, they
will be getting an interesting slice of Americas past told from the perspective
of a child.
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