The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-12

Chapters 13-18

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

The book is written from the third-person omniscient point of view, yet Birdsall uniquely develops the character and voice of each Penderwick sister. How does she do so?

Analyze the role of animals in the novel. Consider Hound, Cagney’s rabbits, and the bull.

Explain Mr. Penderwick’s parenting style. Is he too lax with the girls? What is the symbolism in his delivering pithy quotes in Latin to teach them lessons?