Incredibly Penelope

Gr 4-6–A charming riches-to-rags-to-true-riches tale that encourages young readers to consider what being wealthy means. Penelope, 11, who is loved beyond measure and can “see rainbows everywhere,” has the wealth and life many kids dream of. Her godmother is a celebrity which allows her to travel around the world enjoying amazing adventures. But the one thing she wants most is something her lavish lifestyle cannot provide: to attend school and make real friends. With a bit of help from her godmother, she gets her wish and is enrolled at Idlewild Academy for Girls. But what happens when she loses everything that truly matters to her? Readers will enjoy Penelope’s perspective, from her Pollyanna-like outlook to her witty wisdom. Her ability to find the good in each moment feels sincere, even as she faces off with a sinister (yet comically inept) headmistress. Fans of wordplay and the antics of characters like Amelia Bedelia and Pippi Longstocking will find a friend in Penelope. Myracle’s writing keeps readers engaged in the plot with clever word choice and breaking the fourth wall. There is discussion of loss of a parent as well as abuse in the forms of neglect and verbal, which could be triggering for some readers.