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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
I do love the Penderwicks and gradually jumping through time to different sisters as the primary POV character. But this book hit me in the feels--Batty's own grief and confusion were written in such a loving but visceral way. It was really masterfully done. Maybe everyone won't cry reading it but if you do, just know you aren't alone!
I still love the Penderwicks! I was a little surprised at first to find that this book had jumped in time so far that now Batty is in 5th grade and not the youngest Penderwick running around in butterfly wings anymore. I loved this story as much as the other three though, and particularly liked how full of emotion this one was.
One more thing I love about the Penderwicks is how their home is open to all the teenage friends of Skye, Jane, and Rosalind. I love how the Penderwick parents are friendly and kind to love interests and random teenage boys named Donovan who are eating all the pretzels. This is how a home full of teenagers should be!
One more thing I love about the Penderwicks is how their home is open to all the teenage friends of Skye, Jane, and Rosalind. I love how the Penderwick parents are friendly and kind to love interests and random teenage boys named Donovan who are eating all the pretzels. This is how a home full of teenagers should be!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A wonderful return for our favorite Massachusetts family! This book takes place over five years after the previous book (so Rosalind is 19, Skye 18, Jane 16, Batty 11, etc.). It's a big jump, and this book definitely features the most change. But's it's so nice to have the sisters much closer to my age (I'm 16). The book is so funny, sad, and delightful all at the same time! The story is light and fluffy, making it very easy and fun to read. I also love Jeanne Birdsall's vocabulary...very diverse, making it interesting and enjoyable for us older readers. This is very much unlike most YA novels, which tend to insult the intelligence of anyone older than 12! Batty's love for music is much like mine, keeping me engaged whenever music is brought up. However, I still have some issues with the book. A little bit goes a long way with the boyfriend/girlfriend thing, and this book defiantly has enough of that. But the dating and romance seemed very much covered up by the central plot, which was a good thing in my opinion. Also, it would have been nice to have another book spanning this huge five-and-a-half-year timespan, instead of putting all the pressures of change on this book alone. And I really wish Jeanne Birdsall would have let Rosalind, Skye, and Jane narrate! I miss having them be the main characters so much. I do hope they come back in the final book. However, I still think this book deserved the five stars I gave it. I will definitely be reading it again, probably next spring. :)
I read a lot of dark creepy fiction because I am weird. I also love me some sweet family Penderwicks because I am weird.
This one was not as light hearted as the others, and I was sad to see the jump in years. However, as another introvert, I adored getting to know Battie.
I have always wanted to write a children's series that was timeless and satisfying for all ages. Birdsall has this all wrapped up. So good.
Feeling very excited that I'm finishing off 2015 with some of my favorite series. This series is adorable-I don't know that boys would be so excited about the series, but a must for preteen girls!
"Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and there are surprises in store for each member of the family. Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty's new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday. But when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, the best-laid plans fall apart."
"Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and there are surprises in store for each member of the family. Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty's new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday. But when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, the best-laid plans fall apart."
I wish I lived on Gardam Street. I am 44 and just lost my own mom, so Batty's trials really
hit me in the feels. I know a lot of the other reviews are bemoaning the lack of the other sisters in this book, but I feel this story was important to tell, IMHO as a mom and teacher. I thought the kids were all aged-up very well and I loved reading about this blended family. Growing up is hard, but change is okay, and that's the message here.
hit me in the feels. I know a lot of the other reviews are bemoaning the lack of the other sisters in this book, but I feel this story was important to tell, IMHO as a mom and teacher. I thought the kids were all aged-up very well and I loved reading about this blended family. Growing up is hard, but change is okay, and that's the message here.