Penny from Heaven

A parent would reach for this book when their child is curious about complex family dynamics, particularly if there is a 'hush' around certain relatives or historical family trauma. Set in 1953, the story follows eleven-year-old Penny as she navigates life between her mother's side of the family and her father's large, boisterous Italian-American clan. It is a masterful exploration of how secrets and grief can divide families, and how the search for truth can lead to healing. The book deals with themes of loss, cultural identity, and the lingering effects of World War II on immigrant families. It is perfectly appropriate for middle-grade readers, offering a relatable lens through which to view heavy topics like the polio epidemic and historical discrimination against Italian-Americans. Parents will appreciate how Jennifer Holm balances the weight of these themes with the warmth of Sunday dinners, baseball, and the simple joys of a 1950s summer.