From School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2—Ever wondered about the life of a penny? This made-from-copper narrator is happy to share. Told in a breezy tone, from the perspective of a penny, this engaging story is sprinkled with tidbits about the penny's history. For instance, the narrator's great-uncle, from 1943, was made out of steel, "like Superman!" The narrator tries its best to embody the advice of Abraham Lincoln, whose face and memorial appear on the front and back of the coin: "Whatever you are, be a good one." Pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations in combination with photographs of actual pennies capture the humorous tone. The book touches on the controversy of whether to discontinue the penny, though the narrator is understandably biased. Additional material at the end outlines a history of the U.S. monetary system and its ties to the start of the nation. VERDICT A light introduction to money, starring the often underappreciated penny. A worthy addition to lower elementary school collections.—Suzanne Myers Harold, formerly at Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR