It didn’t help that I was listening to Penny From Heaven in my car over the same few days that I was reading the Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman at home and since they were set during the same time period and about girls the same age, I kept comparing the two and I related to Francine a lot more.

Oh Penny why do you always have to go along with Frankie’s crazy plans? Penny kept doing things that I knew would not end well, and I wanted to stop reading to avoid getting to the trouble that I knew was coming. The story, like’s Anne’s, wasn’t really plot driven, it was more of a slice of her life. My relationship with Penny was much the same. Reading her story I constantly wanted to yell at her to stop what she was doing because I loved her, and I couldn’t stand the anticipation of the trouble she was going to get into. Ok, let me explain I know Anne is beloved by many, but I just cringe thinking about all of the crazy situations a “good” kid got herself into. Here’s where the confession gets even more shocking I think it’s because it sort of reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, which I also did not enjoy (pause for gasps). There are glowing reviews everywhere and if you pick up this book, you will probably love it too so I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I did not love Penny From Heaven. And the two sides of her family aren't speaking to each other!ĮVERYONE seems to love this book. Her Nonny cries every time her father's name is mentioned.

To make matters worse, her favorite uncle is living in a car. For starters, she can't go swimming because her mother's afraid she'll catch polio at the pool. But nothing's that easy in Penny's family. The next few reviews will probably have summaries from the publisher to save me a little time as I try to catch up.įrom the Publisher: It's1953 and 11-year-old Penny dreams of a summer of butter pecan ice cream, swimming, and baseball.

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm