Just think of the small things in your life that have made a difference. Our lives are made up of small things we may never consider as important. This endearing novel keeps its focus on a single penny that surrounds the life of Jenny Blake. She is a very strong 14-year-old girl growing up in the 1950s in St. Louis, Mo., a part of the segregated South. I was only 6 years old in the summer of 1955, but the memories of my community in the later 1950s and 1960s were so similar. Even her special friend Mrs. Shaw is similar to my special friend Miss Mary -- blessed friendships for us all.

"The Penny" is a touching story that closely resembles the life and the struggles of the author. It is a story about overlooked greatness that is found in the most insignificant places. Joyce Meyer is better know for her inspirational non-fiction works and her worldwide ministry known as Joyce Meyer Ministries. She has a television and radio program, has authored more than 80 books, and conducts conferences throughout the year helping those individuals who are hurting. Her mission is to spread God's word to millions. This is her first fiction novel co-authored with Deborah Bedford. 

This is a touching story of overcoming pain and brokeness and forgiving those who have caused the pain. It will stir memories of those loved and lost, past friends and special times of laughter and tears, and those events that changed our lives forever. This story may be set in 1955, but the experiences of Jenny are the experiences of many today. Jenny Blake will grab your heart in the first few pages and take you on a poignant journey. All of this because of one old copper penny.

      The whole school heard the rumors about the new girl. Stargirl. Nobody understood her. One of the only people who tried was Leo and he fell in love. He got to know all about her and and how she was more of us than we are.  This book is a great story about being yourself. 
      Stargirl is a great book that all middle school students should read. Jerry Spinelli is a great author and tells this story skillfuly. So what are you waiting for?--Check it out.

         Flipped is the story of two teens who have had an interesting relationship from the day they met. Wendelin Van Draanen does a wonderful job of telling this story. She gives both sides of the story, alternating characters each chapter.
         From the first day he met her, Bryce Loski knew Julianna was a little different. He could tell she would do something to impact his life. Juli Baker was excited when her parents told her that their new neighbors had a kid her age. It wasn't until she saw Bryce's big blue eyes that she fell head over heels for him.
         The story tells about the six years after. A magical sycamore, science fair chickens, yard work, eggs, and a very interesting dinner party are just some of the things these two have to deal with. Not to mention the fact that Bryce gets auctioned off for lunch in the end.
          This is a great book. It's very relatable for middle schoolers. This book has humor, sadness and a lot of drama. I think you should read it!

This book wasn't very good in my opinion. It was well-written, but it wasn't the type of book I enjoy. Also, I don't think people would view one situation that differently. Even in the second grade, Juli would have noticed that Bryce thought she was an annoying know-it-all. In the sixth grade, Juli would know better than to sniff somebody's hair in the middle of class. This book was very predictable and, even though it is realistic fiction, it is not that realistic.