PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Mary Penney is a US Army veteran and works full-time for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Mary lives in Santa Barbara with her four-legged children who love to sleep, play practical jokes, and throw up hairballs. Mary loves to swim (badly), practice yoga (stiffly), and walk (into lots of things). Despite all that, she is deeply grateful for all her Irish good luck, and especially for being able to write novels for kids.
An emotional coming-of-age tale that will resonate with readers who appreciate contemporary, realistic, character-driven novels. --School Library Journal Full of characters who start out stoic and scrappy but who slowly reveal themselves--to one another and to us--in the most honest and riveting and heartachey ways. --Liz Garton Scanlon, Caldecott Honor Winner for All the World Penney's novel brings to light some of the issues families of military personnel face... Readers will enjoy Macy's independent, adventurous spirit in this story about growing up, friendship, and forgiveness. --Horn Book Magazine Driven by attractive, colorful characters, this tale is immersive and engaging... Lively, funny, tender without being syrupy, and full of life. --Kirkus Reviews Macy's candid narrative voice and expressive observations... bring humor and pathos to Penney's tender, emotionally satisfying story. --Publishers Weekly Praise for Eleven and Holding: A sweet heartbreaker of a book. As important as it is endearing. --Ali Benjamin, author of The Thing About Jellyfish
