There are times when Penny (Bunny) wishes she knew the language that her Nonny and uncles were speaking. They are the Italian-American Catholic family of her father, who died during World War II. Now it is 1953 and Penny is eleven. Penny and her mother live with her mother's parents, Me-Me and Pop-pop. Penny visits her father's family often, but her mother never does. Her uncles take her to her father's grave in the Protestant cemetery and buy her expensive clothes. Frankie, her cousin and a trouble-maker, suggests activities that Penny reluctantly agrees to do. One activity has devastating results for Penny. Adding to her woes, her mother is seriously dating again�the milkman! Uncle Dominic's 'lucky bean,' Me-Me's cooking, the milkman, and butter pecan ice cream tell the story of Penny with thoughtfulness and humor. Why would no one tell Penny anything about her father? Does it have something to do with Uncle Dominic living in his car?

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/28/2009

ISBN-10: 0375936874

ISBN-13: 9780375936876

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Hannah and her sister, Sarah, escape the plague in 17th century London. After the terror of the plague is over, they return to the city, only to be caught in the Great Fire of 1666. Will the sisters be able to escape the terror of the fire? This title is a sequel to At the Sign of the Sugared Plum.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 1582349363

ISBN-13: 9781582349367

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This is the incredible story of Phineas Gage, the railroad worker who, in 1848, survived the piercing blast of a 13-pound iron rod, which entered below his cheekbone and exited through the front of his skull.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0618494782

ISBN-13: 9780618494781

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What would you do for a 'real bathtub' straight from the Sears, Roebuck catalog? In 'The Pickle Patch Bathtub' by Frances Kennedy, you can read the true story of Donna Philp's quest for a bathtub that would fit her and her brothers and sisters, 'just right'. By working together growing and selling cucumbers, the Phelps children were able to make their dream come true. This beautifully illustrated book gives you small glimpse of the challenging and rewarding life of American farmers on the prairie in the early 1900's.

Similar authors: Pat McKissack; Laura Ingalls Wilder; Donald Hall

Similar books: Pennies for Elephants by Lila Judge; The Just-Right, Perfect Present by Fran Kennedy; That Book Woman by Heather Henson; Pairie School by Avi; Pictures for Miss Josie by Sandra Belton; Maggie's Amerikay by Barbara T. Russell; A Bear in War by Stephanie Innes; Sisters of Scituate Light by Stephen Krensky

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/23/2010

ISBN-10: 1582461120

ISBN-13: 9781582461120

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In this book, ' A Picture Book of Samuel Adams,' the young reader is introduced to one of the most influencial men in our nation's history. Learn about Samuel Adams' life and stuggles as he tirelessly and passionately fights for America's independence from Britain. This is a perfect book for the reader just learning about the beginnings of our country.

Similar authors: Fiona Macdonald; Kathryn Lasky; Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

Similar books: A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David Adler; A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln by David Adler; A Picture Book of Jesse Owens by David Adler; First Dog Fala by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk; When Abraham Talked to the Trees by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk; Vision of Beauty by Kathryn Lasky

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/5/2010

ISBN-10: 0823418464

ISBN-13: 9780823418466

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