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The Penderwicks
Jeanne Birdsall
Children Ages 8-12
The four Penderwick sisters are excited to spend the summer away at Arundel Cottage. They imagine their visit will be full of sunshine, free time, and laughter. What they do not envision is meeting a mysterious boy their age and the many adventures (and misadventures) they will embark on with him.
Questions Just for Fun
If you could have joined the Penderwicks for any of their adventures, which one would you have joined them on and why?
How might that adventure have turned out differently if you had been there with them?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
In several places throughout the book, Batty did not follow the rules that those in charge of her set. How did this cause trouble?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how Batty almost got trampled by the bull, the rabbit escaped and almost died, and she was almost run over by a car. Discuss how the purpose of rules is to keep us safe. We honor God by obeying those in authority over us (so long as they do not require us to do something that goes against God’s commands).
What positive character qualities did you see in the different characters throughout the book?
Discussion Guide - Possible discussion points are Cagney’s kindness and helpful spirit, Churchie’s encouragement and care, Rosalind looking out for her younger sisters, Skye's desire to stand up for her family, Jane’s creativity, Batty’s kindness toward animals, Jeffrey's seeking to rescue Batty when she was in trouble, Mr. Penderwick helping Jeffrey when his mother wouldn’t listen.
What truth did Rosalind learn toward the end of the book about her relationship with Cagney?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how she was so focused on wanting Cagney to like her as a girlfriend that she didn’t even realize what a great friend he was. Once she realized this, she could just enjoy him as a friend.
One of the main problems in the book is Mrs. Tifton's not listening to Jeffrey explain how he does not want to go to Pencey Military Academy. How do Jeffrey’s actions follow or not follow Ephesians 6:1-3?
Discussion Guide - Read Ephesians 6:1-3 and discuss how Jeffrey disobeying his mom in different instances goes against the command for children to obey their parents. However, in the end, when he enlisted Mr. Penderwick’s help to get his mom to listen, he was able to explain to her why Pencey was not a good fit for him in a way that honored God’s commands.
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