Penny Draws a School Play is a sweet and quirky tale about a fifth grade girl and all she is going through in life. With many changes coming about–a new house, new siblings on the way, and shifts in her friendship group–Penny is trying to overcome her fears and anxieties, while figuring out who she is and where she belongs. This was a quick read full of friendship and humor, and one that I think many students would find very relatable. With the ongoing pressures of being a kid in today’s society, and the day-to-day challenges that all tweens go through, Penny is a hero for all kids to see how they can overcome the challenging moments in their own lives. Penny’s story also normalizes dealing with anxiety and seeing a counselor at school, which is so important as we strive to support students’ mental health and social emotional learning. I think middle grade students will find this story a fun, engaging, and relatable read!

– Kimberly M. Language Arts, CT