Incredibly Penelope by Lauren Myracle

What worked:

The book opens with Penelope encountering new feelings. She grows up surrounded by love and encouragement from her mother and godmother, the world-famous Queenie Bee. Queenie, Penelope, and her mom travel around the globe, sharing adventures while visiting exotic locations. Penelope decides she wants to experience the adventure of a real school, but she may not be prepared for the attitudes of those who resent her upbringing. One roommate, Dilly, thinks Penelope’s a braggart and show-off, and Mrs. Grimsley, head of the academy, is internally jealous and angered by a perceived sense of Penelope’s entitlement and superiority. Actually, the woman doesn’t like kids. Penelope begins to feel self-doubt because Dilly’s comments make her reflect on her behavior. Does talking about adventures with Queenie and wearing designer clothes make others feel bad or inferior? Is she being a show-off?

The author infuses different emotions through Penelope’s interactions with other characters. A bit of humor is created when Penelope’s positive outlook leads her to believe the angry, selfish headmaster is a kind and caring person. Another girl suspects Russian spies are everywhere. Penelope becomes best friends with Tate, a character who doesn’t identify as a boy or a girl. They support each other through different challenges, although Tate is afraid to go into the basement or visit the peaceful marsh. The other students are unaware of Dilly’s cruel mother, but this knowledge will help readers understand her character. Huge emotional swings arise later in the story, but I won’t spoil the experience for readers.

Readers will definitely have strong thoughts and questions about Mrs. Grimsley’s character. How is such a self-centered, wicked woman in charge of an academy for young girls? Mrs. Grimsley initially tries to instruct the eight fourth graders about outdated etiquette for young ladies. She treats Penelope like a cash cow, and readers will be privy to her thoughts to understand the shaky explanations behind her behavior. There’s a selfish reason behind every incident when she helps Penelope. Her ultimate hope is to be lucratively rewarded by Queenie sometime in the future. She treats every positive behavior toward Penelope as an investment in eventual financial profits.

What didn’t work as well:

The author uses an omniscient point of view, so readers are aware of characters’ thoughts and past experiences. The first half of the book interjects flashbacks from different characters, and some readers may be distracted by them. It’s nice to have background information, but some of it isn’t necessary.

The final verdict:

Hopefully, readers will connect with Penelope’s positivity and experience a variety of emotions as her attitude is challenged. Some may not be prepared for a huge surprise later in the story, but rest assured, a happy ending awaits. I highly recommend you check this book out for yourself.