The Penderwicks

By Jeanne Birdsall
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
National Book Award Winner
Reviewed by Noelle

I have read few books that were more enjoyable or fun than this one this past year. Rosalind, Skye, Jane and Batty have a rented house in the Berkshires of Massachusetts for two weeks with their father. The house is on the property of a beautiful mansion, and the sisters quickly make the acquaintance of Jeffrey who lives in the house. Jeffrey's mother looks down on the very colorful and outspoken sisters, and is set on seperating her son from the girls and sending him to military school like her own father. Jeffrey, however, only wants to play piano, and forms firm friendships with the Penderwicks. Rosalind, the eldest sister, is also captivated by Cagney, the young gardener who works on the estate. They get into several scrapes and adventures in the story, mostly involving Jeffrey, too. The dedication between the sisters and the friendship with Jeffrey, as well as a satisfying conclusion, make this story completely enjoyable from start to finish. It is hard to find a reason to not like The Penderwicks!
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