Love, Penelope: Middle Grade Novel (Starred Review)

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781419728617 LOVE, PENELOPE A Middle Grade Novel By Joanne Rocklin Illustrated by Lucy Knisley Published by Amulet Books Penny is excited to welcome her new sibling, so throughout her mom’s pregnancy she writes letters to it (not it, YOU!). She introduces herself (Penelope, but she prefers “Penny”) and their moms (Sammy and Becky). She brags about their home city, Oakland, California (the weather, the Bay, and the Golden State Warriors) and shares the trials and tribulations of being a fifth-grader (which, luckily, YOU won’t have to worry about for a long time). Penny asks little questions about her sibling’s development and starts to ask big questions about the world around her (like if and when her moms are ever going to get married “for real”). Honest, relatable, and full of heart, Love, Penelope explores heritage, forgiveness, love, and identity through the eyes (and pen) of one memorable 10-year-old in a special year when marriage equality and an NBA championship made California a place of celebration. **STARRED REVIEW** "Rocklin captures a lesser-seen slice of contemporary American urban life: how the more troubling parts of our world trickle down to and effect upper elementary students as they encounter prejudice in its many forms. Penny’s optimism and resolve is a joyous testament to our complicated world." —Booklist