LOVE, PENELOPE: A Guide for Readers & Educators

Best Users: Librarians, Booksellers, Classroom Teachers, Home Learners
Best Audience: Children Grades 04-07

 

ABOUT THE GUIDE

The Love, Penelope: A Guide for Readers and Educators offers discussion opportunities and classroom or book club activities on on family, community, ancestry, friendship, social injustices, and more. An interview with Kid Lit Frenzy is also included!

DOWNLOAD Love, Penelope: Guide for Readers & Educators

This guide was a collaborative project between author Joanne Rocklin, children’s book author and former classroom teacher Ann Braden, and the children’s literature engagement folks at Curious City.

 


Watch the Curious City book trailer on YouTube or TeacherTube.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love, Penelope
by Joanne Rocklin
Illustrated by Lucy Knisley
Published by Amulet Books
ISBN-13: 9781419728617
Age Range: 8-12 Years

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.

In prose that sparkles with magical undertones, author Kersten Hamilton weaves a tender story about grief, faith, and the redemptive power of love.

“Rocklin captures a lesser-seen slice of contemporary American urban life: how the more troubling parts of our world trickle down to and effect upper elementary students as they encounter prejudice in its many forms. Penny’s optimism and resolve is a joyous testament to our complicated world.”
—Booklist, Starred Review
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“A tale of life, family values, basketball, and growing up, Penelope’s story will ring true for a wide audience of readers.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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“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 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.”
—Publishers Weekly
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“Penny’s voice is precocious and compassionate, and the way in which she reacts to the events around her rings true. Knisley’s illustrations add charm and authenticity to the story; Rocklin adds back matter, including resources about the Ohlone, LGBT families, Bay Area history, and the stages of pregnancy…recommended for its strong and positive portrayal of a blended family…”
—School Library Journal