You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
The Penderwick Sisters - minus one are back for summer vacation. I just love this series. It is like the Boxcar Children for a new century. It also is a tiny bit tween. And it is a quick read if you don't read three other books in the middle of it.
Gahhh I don’t even have words right now. The third Penderwick installment did not disappoint; I even got teary-eyed. This is a MAGNIFICENT series!!! A couple books I was reminded of: I compared the first book with Little Women, but in this one, writer Jane cuts her long, brown curls, and in the aftermath dramatically says, “my one beauty”! To which Aunt Claire sensibly says, “Your hair’s not your only beauty,” and I just love this nod to our fictional strong-headed forerunner, Jo. I also still think of the first few Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace; this author has nailed that “old fashioned” style while setting it in the modern day. And then with the absence of the eldest sister Rosalind, I am reminded of when Peter and Susan were too old to go adventuring with the younger siblings to Narnia (sob face).
During the first fourth, I thought it was going to be predictable, which I was just fine with because it was so comfortable. I should have seen the big reveal coming but it was wonderful! I hope that Aunt Claire will end up as a mother-figure to Jeffrey by the end of the next book, pretty please?
I love all the character growth here. Skye’s struggles with self-doubt take center stage in this book, and I was gleeful when horrible Dexter comes demanding, “Is anyone in charge here?” and out steps Skye, able to hold her own with any adult, and Jane sighs with relief, “She’s in charge,” and Skye takes over, the fearless leader she was born to be.
And then there’s Jane, trying to write a book on love and suffering writer’s block, because she knows nothing of romantic love. I love the sisterhood pulling together during all that ensues.
Batty!! I am pleased as punch that Batty gets her own talent now that she’s 5! She’s growing into her own person.
And Jeffrey… but I won’t spoil it for anyone! I recommend this series to families as read alouds, to children, and to adults who love nice, fun, touching stories of loving families and sisters. They have all the makings of modern classics.
During the first fourth, I thought it was going to be predictable, which I was just fine with because it was so comfortable. I should have seen the big reveal coming but it was wonderful! I hope that Aunt Claire will end up as a mother-figure to Jeffrey by the end of the next book, pretty please?
I love all the character growth here. Skye’s struggles with self-doubt take center stage in this book, and I was gleeful when horrible Dexter comes demanding, “Is anyone in charge here?” and out steps Skye, able to hold her own with any adult, and Jane sighs with relief, “She’s in charge,” and Skye takes over, the fearless leader she was born to be.
And then there’s Jane, trying to write a book on love and suffering writer’s block, because she knows nothing of romantic love. I love the sisterhood pulling together during all that ensues.
Batty!! I am pleased as punch that Batty gets her own talent now that she’s 5! She’s growing into her own person.
And Jeffrey… but I won’t spoil it for anyone! I recommend this series to families as read alouds, to children, and to adults who love nice, fun, touching stories of loving families and sisters. They have all the makings of modern classics.
This book felt like an old friend sitting on my couch telling me funny stories. Very light, fun, easy children's book.
Obviously the plot happenings are contrived, but I don't care - I love the world of the Penderwicks, and would happily recommend these books to a reader who isn't scared off by their old-fashionedness.
3.5. Very cute story, but the whole Jeffrey storyline was more than a bit unbelievable.
The MOST unbelievable one yet, but I still love this family.
I know I will love it so I already gave it 5 stars!
This was my least favorite of the three, if only because it's impossible to ignore how ridiculously overburdened the older sisters are with the care of the younger ones. Aunt Claire is completely incompetent, as is every other adult. I also found the Alec plotline absurdly far-fetched. Like, how did he just happen to be in the vacation house next to theirs?? I smell a con.
All of that being said, as a kid I would have eaten all that drama up, and that's the audience whose opinion matters most.
All of that being said, as a kid I would have eaten all that drama up, and that's the audience whose opinion matters most.