Penny is half Italian and half Caucasian American. She swims between the two worlds. Her father’s death is shrouded in mystery and no one will share the details. Her mother is dating the milk man. Penny feels like her mother is trying to forget her father. When her arm gets caught in a ringer, th... more

Penny is half Italian and half Caucasian American. She swims between the two worlds. Her father’s death is shrouded in mystery and no one will share the details. Her mother is dating the milk man. Penny feels like her mother is trying to forget her father. When her arm gets caught in a ringer, the milk man begins visiting her at the hospital. It looks like Patty will lose all function in her arm. She overhears the nurse talking about her father being a spy. Issues of Italian mistreatment during World War II, when Italy was an enemy of America, and their tight-knit communities are shared in a heartwarming book. The way the entire Italian family protects and nurtures Penny and comic relief from her precocious cousin, Frankie, grandma’s awful cooking, and uncle who lives in a car and opinionated grandpa burping make for a fun read. All of the characters have clearly defined personalities with the threads of their culture and era dripping from their words and deeds. This is Jennifer Holm’s first novel and a raving success. I highly recommend this book. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 2006.