The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
by Jeanne Birdsall

In the second installment of Birdsall's series, readers get a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Penderwick Sister. The book begins with quite a mix of emotions - sadness and joy all at the same time. After awhile, the Penderwick girls find a way to help each other (and their father) adjust. However, when Aunt Claire drops in for one of her famous visits, the family's strength is challenged; she has delivered the "blue letter" that Rosy had all but forgotten. The sisters soon learn that the letter is a wish from their mother to their father. Upon hearing the details (that Mr. Pen is to start dating,) the sisters quickly devise the Save Daddy Plan! As you can imagine, the plan brings about lots of adventures for all members of the family! Rosy begins to learn about what it means to grow up, Jane and Skye learn about honesty, Batty learns that she is an excellent spy, and Mr. Pen realizes that his daughters are a force to be reckoned with! With a little hard work, and some help from their neighbors on Gardam Street, the Penderwick Family Honor is finally restored.

Check out Ms. Birdsall's website and learn how the Penderwicks are important to President Obama and his family!

2009-2010 Texas Bluebonnet nominee