Over the past year, I’ve read some truly wonderful chapter books, and this one easily ranks in my top five favorites. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall for Yearling Books. It’s utterly charming—a heartwarming story about four sisters spending their vacation with their dad at a sprawling New England estate. Ranging in age from four to twelve, each sister has such a distinct personality that they feel like modern counterparts to beloved literary heroines like Jo March and Anne Shirley. The book has the timeless feel of a modern classic and left me smiling from start to finish.
One of my favorite aspects of the story is the sibling dynamic. Though the sisters have their share of squabbles, their deep loyalty and love for one another shine through in the most touching ways.
The eldest sister, Rosalind, experiences her first unrequited crush on an older teenager, and in true coming-of-age fashion, she realizes that while she may have feelings for him, she’s not quite ready for romance just yet.
I’d highly recommend this book for older girls around age ten or eleven, but it would also make a wonderful read-aloud for younger audiences. It’s a story filled with warmth, charm, and a memorable sisterly bond.
Themes: Coming-of-Age story, Positive Sibling Relationships, Friendship
Recommended Ages: 7-12
Pages: 288
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