Love, Penelope
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
Penny is excited to welcome her new sibling, so throughout her mom’s pregnancy she writes letters to it (not it, YOU!). She introduces herself (Penelope, but she prefers “Penny”) and their moms (Sammy and Becky). She brags about their home city, Oakland, California (the weather, the Bay, and the Golden State Warriors) and shares the trials and tribulations of being a fifth-grader (which, luckily, YOU won’t have to worry about for a long time).
Penny asks little questions about her sibling’s development and starts to ask big questions about the world around her (like if and when her moms are ever going to get married “for real”).
Honest, relatable, and full of heart, Love, Penelope explores heritage, forgiveness, love, and identity through the eyes (and pen) of one memorable 10-year-old in a special year when marriage equality and an NBA championship made California a place of celebration.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ten-year-old Penelope Bach's journal to her yet-to-be-born baby sibling forms the basis of Rocklin's touching novel. Penelope's entries, each beginning "Dear You," offer advice and reveal her own growth over nine months. A resident of Oakland, Calif., Penelope has two mothers and passionately roots for the Golden State Warriors. Peppered with basketball trivia, the storyline coincides with the Warriors's 2015 championship run even non-fans will be swept up in the excitement of their winning season. Penelope faces challenges, some self-made such as when she claims Native American heritage for a school project (only her nonbiological mother is Ohlone) and some forced on her, including the homophobia her family endures. Rocklin (Fleabrain Loves Franny) also touches on racial prejudice: Penelope, who is white, initially reacts insensitively when her best friend's older brother, who is black, is pulled over and treated unfairly by a police officer. Rocklin's novel deals honestly with the ways even the best friends and parents can disappoint, creating numerous genuine and moving moments. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8 12. Author's)