A Review of Penny from Heaven

By Jennifer L. Holm

* Note: This blog fulfills a course requirement at TWU.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. Penny from Heaven. New York: Random House, 2006. ISBN: 0375836896

PLOT SUMMARY

Penny is a nickname for this 11 year-old girl actually named Barbara Ann Falucci, given to her by her deceased father because he loved the song “Pennies from Heaven” by Bing Crosby. The setting is during the summer in 1953 in New Jersey. Penny lives with her mother and her mother’s parents whom she calls “Me-me” and “Pop-pop” and her 15-year-old poodle named Scarlett O’Hara. Her father’s large Italian family lives nearby and she spends a lot of time with them as well. Penny’s favorite uncle, Dominic, lives in his car parked outside grandmother Falucci or “Nonny’s” house. Dominic gives her a magic bean to bring her luck which she holds onto dearly. She goes to Sunday dinners at her grandmother Nonny's house, plays with her cousin Frankie. Her Uncle Ralphie offers her and her cousin, Frankie, a job delivering groceries from his store.  Penny is struggling to accept her mother’s new relationship with the milkman, Mr. Mulligan.  A terrible accident occurs when Penny is supposedly under the supervision of her Uncle Dominic when her arm gets stuck in the wringer of the washing machine.  Her mother is angry at Uncle Dominic.  Penny, ultimately, ends up finding out the truth about the circumstances surrounding her father’s death.  Penny finds more inner peace since she has found out how her father died.  Penny’s father was sent to an internment camp due to the actions of Uncle Dominic where he died. She eventually forgives Uncle Dominic and loves him.  All the family gathers at her mom’s and Mr. Mulligan’s wedding, including the Italian side of Penny’s family.  Penny accepts her situation and is ready to move in life with her new father.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a well-told, sweet story that introduces readers to Italian-Americans and their culture. Holm adds authenticity to this work of historical fiction by adding historian, Lawrence DiStasi to explain and give voice to Italian-American during and shortly after World War II and the references to the Brooklyn Dodgers during this time. Her characters are rich and cultural differences are noted. Several times she uses Italian phrases, such as “tesoro mio” which means “my treasure” and is what her Nonny calls her, or a “sfogliatelle” which is an Italian pastry with ricotta cheese inside. The reader gains valuable insight into this time period and the cultural differences that make us all uniquely American.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal – “Take a trip back to 1953 in Jennifer L. Holm's charming story (Random, 2006). Eleven-year-old Penny lives in New Jersey and walks a tightrope between two families. On one side are her widowed mother, her irascible grandfather, and her cooking-disabled grandmother with whom she lives. On the other side are her deceased father's Italian family with an abundance of loving aunts and uncles and a Nonny who makes the best cannoli around.”

Booklist - “Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of vivid characters (a burping, farting grandpa; an eccentric uncle who lives in his car--"not exactly normal for people in New Jersey"). Concluding with a photo-illustrated endnote explaining Holm's inspirations in family history, this languidly paced novel will appeal most to readers who appreciate gentle, episodic tales with a nostalgic flavor.”

CONNECTIONS

Newberry Award Winning Book

Enjoy other Jennifer L. Holms books, including:

·         Holms, Jennifer L. Our Only May Amelia (Harper Trophy Book and Newberry Honor Book) 2001. ISBN:  0064408566

·         Holms, Jennifer L. The Fourteenth Goldfish. 2014. ISBN:  0375870644

·         Holms, Jennifer L. The Trouble with May Amelia. 2012. ISBN: 1416913742

And many more …