The Penderwicks
Written by: Jeanne Birdsall
Recommended for ages: 8-12
A Yearling Book $7.99

Jeanne Birdsall has written a lovely old-fashioned story that follows the four Penderwick sisters on their summer vacation in the Berkshire Mountains. The sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane and Batty, range in age from four to twelve years old. Since the passing of the girls’ mother, Rosalind has taken on the maternal role in helping her laissez-faire father raise her sisters. Each of the girls has distinct personality traits that make the story exciting. The middle girls are especially adventurous as they befriend the young boy who lives next door. Jeffrey is an only child who has the time of his life for the three weeks that the Penderwicks are visiting. He is able to escape his over-bearing mother and live like most boys want to live… running from bulls, climbing rope ladders and playing soccer.

After learning that Jeffrey’s mother and her fiancee wish to ship him off to military school, the newfound friends make it their mission to stop this ploy. This job does not come without its hardships. Can the girls keep old Dexter (the fiancee) from ruining Jeffrey’s childhood?

Add to this plot, a love interest typical of twelve year old females and a four year old who can’t sleep without her forbidden dog, Hound, this National Book Award Winner is an appealing read with no concern for inappropriate subject matter. Teachers will also enjoy this fun adventure as a read-aloud in their classrooms.