What does it mean to feel 'at a dead end'? Have you ever felt stuck?

This is a discussion prompt for A New Penny by Bianca Bradbury. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Why is it important to take responsibility for your own growth and happiness?

This is a discussion prompt for A New Penny by Bianca Bradbury. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What are some small steps someone can take when they don't know where to begin?

This is a discussion prompt for A New Penny by Bianca Bradbury. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do the people around us, like family, influence our feelings and choices?

This is a discussion prompt for A New Penny by Bianca Bradbury. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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A New Penny

Name: A New Penny
ISBN: 9780395123638

by Bianca Bradbury

A young mother and high school dropout struggles with her restricted life and seeks the inner strength needed to take charge of her own future.

About This Book

A high school dropout with a husband and baby finds her life at a dead end. She realizes the responsibility for growth is her own, but where does one begin?

Concepts

Resilience & Perseverance Self-Confidence & Identity Love & Family Freedom & Independence Anxiety & Worry Growing Up Financial Hardship Being Different Family & Siblings

Heads up, parents

mental_health_themes

financial_hardship

adult_themes

Wonderlit Review

A New Penny presents a unique challenge for classification, as its plot description details an adult protagonist's journey of self-discovery, while the provided metadata labels it 'Children's fiction' for ages 4-11. The book follows a young mother, a high school dropout with a husband and baby, who feels her life has reached a 'dead end.' The narrative focuses on her internal realization that personal growth is her own responsibility and her subsequent efforts to find a new direction. The book handles themes of personal stagnation, early parenthood, and marital life. Given its 1971 publication, these topics are likely approached with a sensibility reflective of the era, emphasizing internal fortitude. The emotional arc begins with a sense of quiet unfulfillment, transitioning to self-awareness, determination, and a hopeful outlook as the protagonist embarks on her path of self-improvement. This book is best suited for older elementary readers (ages 8-11) who can grasp more complex emotional narratives and might be curious about the challenges adults face. It could be particularly valuable for children whose parents are experiencing similar feelings, offering a gentle lens through which to understand adult struggles and the concept of personal agency. A parent might reach for this book to initiate conversations about responsibility, the idea that happiness is an internal pursuit, or to encourage a child who feels unmotivated. Parents should be prepared to discuss the protagonist's feelings of being 'at a dead end' and how these are resolved. The portrayal of family life from the 1970s might also warrant discussion. Younger readers (4-7) may find the adult-centric themes less engaging, while older children will better connect with the protagonist's internal conflict. What sets this book apart is its early exploration of an adult's quest for self-actualization within a children's literature context, fostering empathy and understanding of personal growth.