#2 in The Penderwicks Series
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
2008 by
on Goodreads (24,293)
What’s inside...
The Penderwick sisters are home on Gardam Street and ready for an adventure! But the adventure they get isn’t quite what they had in mind. Mr. Penderwick’s sister has decided it’s time for him to start dating—and the girls know that can only mean one thing: disaster. Enter the Save-Daddy Plan—a plot so brilliant, so bold, so funny, that only the Penderwick girls could have come up with it.
Why read this book
- Charming tale of sisterhood and adventures.
- Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy.
- Encourages creativity and imaginative play.
- Strengthens reading and cognitive skills.
The Big Picture
- Promotes emotional resilience through relatable family situations.
- Encourages discussions on loss, change, and moving forward.
- Illustrates the strength found in family unity and support.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases a variety of family dynamics and relationships.
- Highlights different intellectual interests and personalities among characters.
- Embraces themes of acceptance, understanding across diverse situations.
Book in series
#2
Age
7-11
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do the Penderwick sisters each show their unique personalities through their actions? Can you relate to any of them?
What role does family play in the book, and why do you think it's important?
How do the sisters cope with changes and challenges in their lives, such as their father considering dating again?
What can we learn from the sisters' adventures and mishaps on Gardam Street?
If you could give any of the characters a piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast the personalities and responses of the Penderwick sisters to their own experiences with siblings or friends.
Discuss the significance of family support and unity as portrayed in the book, tying it back to your own family values.
Explore themes of change and resilience, asking your child how they have reacted to or might handle similar situations.
Use specific examples from the book to delve into lessons learned from the sisters' adventures, prompting your child to think about how these lessons might apply to their own life.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions and the story's outcomes.
What parents love
Handles sensitive topics with warmth and understanding.
Engaging adventures, perfect for family read-alouds!
Teaches important life lessons amid laughter and mischief.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The Penderwick sisters work together to solve problems and navigate their daily challenges, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these teamwork skills in group projects at school or in cooperative games with friends, learning the importance of working collaboratively.
Example Lesson: Importance of family
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bond between the Penderwick siblings is highlighted as they support each other, emphasizing the value of family relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can recognize and cherish the support system within their own families, and actively contribute to nurturing these vital relationships.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: The Penderwick family undergoes various changes, especially as their father considers dating again, teaching the children about adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life. They learn to embrace it positively and adapt to new situations like changing schools or welcoming new family members.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The Penderwicks encounter numerous situations that require thoughtful solutions, showcasing their problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own challenges, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters often show empathy towards each other’s feelings and situations, underlining the importance of understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate of others' emotions and perspectives, fostering empathy and better communication in their day-to-day interactions.