Customer Reviews

Loving Penny

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4 star:		(1)
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Penny is excited about a new school year. She and her best friends, Cher and Tamika, will be attending a brand new middle school, and she is sure that things will be great. She soon discovers things are nothing like she expected. Tamika moves away, and when Penny tries out for cheerleading with Cher, she is rejected because she is overweight. To add to her misery, she is made the team mascot and is teased by all. Penny becomes depressed and deals with her depression by binge eating, which makes her even more overweight and puts her health in jeopardy.

LOVING PENNY allows the reader a glimpse into the psyche of an overweight young girl. The book describes the cycle of being depressed because of obesity and overeating because of depression. Yet, the book shows the strength that Penny exhibits to gain self-esteem and to learn to love herself. I was also impressed with the approach used for Pennys transformation and by the recipes included. Diane Dorce has done an excellent job describing Penny and the anguish she experiences. I recommend this book to all preteens, so that they can see how harmful bullying and name-calling can be. This book may also be especially helpful to those who may be overweight or have other issues with their self-esteem.

Penny had it all worked out in her mind. It was going to be the best year ever at her brand new Middle School where she would attend with her two very best friends. She also had the best homeroom teacher ever and expected a truly terrific year! Then she looses out for cheerleader and becomes the team mascot instead. Then she lost her a friend, couldn't stop eating, and become depressed. For the first time in her life she had to admit she was fat and feels it's everyone's fault that her life has taken such a down turn. Penny's got some growing up to do and some important life changes to make -- but at what cost? Loving Penny is a unique and exceptionally well written novel for the pre-teen reader as author Diane Corce addresses the problem of childhood obesity and its emotional impact within the context of an engaging novel that is entertaining, thoughtful, and revealing.

Loving Penny was a joy to read. It brought back memories of those difficult times many of us faced while growing up. I think this is a must read for young teen and pre-teen girls. It will enlighten and hopefully cause all to focus on what's really important. Finding and loving oneself!

It usually takes me about a week or more to read a book this size. I was glad my Momma gave me Penny for Christmas. I really enjoyed it. I can identify with Penny, since I am also a little bit overweight. But, really i just couldn't put the book down!

I am ten years old and my name is Torrie, and I think the words are easy enough for a six year old to read ...

Please write more books on Penny...

I found this book to be very encouraging for middle school age girls and boys. I purchased two copies. One for my child and one for my nieces. Everyone enjoyed the book and the message.

I hope this new author continues to pursue writing, more and more.

"Loving Penny" is a wonderful book that I enjoyed and would pass on to all my family and friends. It's about a teen girl, Penny who is overweight, but who also happens to be a bright, beautiful and loves who she is. She faces many obstacles in Junior High and suffers much, but with love, friends and family she is able to overcome. This book would be a welcome addition to any school's library and family collection. I highly recommend it.