The Penderwicks is a sweet family story with an old-fashioned feel and a cast of characters so endearing that I was sad to leave them when the book was finished. I loved Jeanne Birdsall’s depiction of a modern family with such strong and wonderful relationships; I found myself laughing over the sisters’ adventures and vividly remembering what it was like to be a child myself. Although the gentle pace and simple storylines of The Penderwicks may be an adjustment for modern readers who are used to action-packed books, kids and adults a like will find a lot to love in the stories of the four Penderwick sisters during their unforgettable summer vacation.
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 2 religious exclamations.
Violence/Gore: A story is told about a man who is gored by a bull. Two children wrestle for fun. A girl falls into a pond and hits her head on a rock.
Sex/Nudity: One storyline has to do with a youthful crush and a girl’s attempts to win over a boy; there are several scenes of very understated flirting.
Mature Subject Matter:
Parent/child conflict, the death of a parent.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
None
