Penny from Heaven
2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- identity
- grief and healing
- cultural heritage
- secrets
- forgiveness
- coming of age
- resilience
About this book
Set in the summer of 1953, twelve-year-old Penny splits her time between her cautious mother’s household and her lively Italian American relatives, soaking up baseball games, jukebox tunes, and big family dinners. As she inches toward adolescence, she begins to ask harder questions about the father she lost and the rift that divides her family. With humor and heart, the story explores how secrets, heritage, and love shape who we are. A great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical stories about family, identity, and finding your voice.
Setting: Italian American neighborhood in New Jersey, summer 1953 (postwar America)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penny from Heaven right for my child?
Yes — Penny from Heaven is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, identity, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Penny from Heaven?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Penny from Heaven takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Penny from Heaven have an AR quiz?
Yes — Penny from Heaven has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Penny from Heaven?
Penny from Heaven has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.