Penderwicks on Gardam Street

Birdsall, Jeanne. 2008. PENDERWICKS ON GARDAM STREET. New York: Knopf. ISBN 9780375840906 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

REVIEW

Birdsall begins this story with the recounting of Batty’s birth and their mother’s death. We jump ahead four years to find that the adventures of the charming Penderwicks continue after the family has returned from their summer vacation and have settled into a new school year. A visit from Aunt Claire, who produces a blue envelope with a letter from their dead mother, turns the family upside down. Before she died she told Claire and wrote to Martin that she wants him to start dating again if he hasn’t already begun by four years out. Horrified, the sisters devise Save-Daddy Plan to confound any thoughts he might have of dating.

There is quite a bit of Latin tossed about as Rosalind begins her foreign language study to the delight of her father, the Latin loving botanist. Also new and enjoyable, a professor from his college moves in next door with her young son, Ben. The neighbors across the street play a big role as Rosy is flummoxed by her feelings for Tommy. Skye and Jane embark on a complicated deception that is honorably resolved. Batty and Hound are comfortably ensconced as the much loved youngest sister and her devoted dog. If anything, this novel is even better than the first because of the more realistic situations, the more believable supporting characters, and the featured differences that make each of the sisters truly individual.

CONNECTIONS

Discuss the concept of honor as it is depicted here. Does your family have a system of honor that you uphold?

RELATED BOOKS

Other books about families:

Birdsall, Jeanne. THE PENDERWICKS: A SUMMER TALE OF FOUR SISTERS, TWO RABBITS, AND A VERY INTERESTING BOY. ISBN 9780375831430

Horvath, Polly. MY ONE HUNDRED ADVENTURES. ISBN 9780375845826

By Cay Geisler