Penina at the Seder with The East Village Mamele.

Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Older Readers

Click here for book discussion questions plus a special offer for reading groups.

Click here for a riddle by Edgar O’Connell (Rebecca’s son).

Penina Levine in the Indiana Gazette.

“Penina is a feisty and thoroughly enjoyable heroine with whom readers will easily connect.”
—School Library Journal

“O’Connell’s story works on several levels: as an informative recounting of contemporary American Passover customs; an example of how a well–meant assignment grounded in a majority culture can be perceived as offensive; and a portrait of a prickly preadolescent trying to navigate her way between two different worlds…A thoughtful and often funny novel that should appeal to the world’s many Peninas.”
—Booklist

“Well–crafted multiple themes are integrated into a captivating, realistic middle–grade novel”
—Kirkus Reviews

“believably nuanced…youngsters in general will sympathize with a kid who stands up for herself when she’s wronged”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, “Recommended.”