Jennifer L. Holm
Jennifer Holm's life, like her Newbery Honor winning works, reads like a wonderful story. She read voraciously as a child growing up in Audobon, Pennsylvania, and went on to major in International Studies at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. After college she worked at an advertising agency handling the money, but she was unsure that it was the best place for her to be. Jennifer was never the type of person with a rigid plan laid out for her future, so it was all the more amazing when she set out to write and pitch her first book, Our Only May Amelia, and it ended up winning a Newbery Honor. It was like winning the lottery, she says, and it sent her on a happily unexpected path. Her life veered toward great success in a field she loves.
Jennifer writes for the savvy youth of modern times, because she says that kids are smarter than we often give them credit for. Her Babymouse series was effectively the first graphic novel catered to children, and her young adult novels abound with very relevant themes that are yet never preachy or too elusive. What’s more, she writes her Newbery Honor winning books in her pajamas—the best part of the job, she says!
Fantasy is her favorite type of book, and some of her favorite authors as a child were Lloyd Alexander, Ursula Le Guin, and Anne McCaffrey. The maturity of their novels played a part in her own effortless incorporation of higher themes into her works. She believes that reading as much as you can get your hands on—no exceptions!—is the best thing young writers and readers can do.
In Penny From Heaven, her most recent novel and a Newbery Honor winning book set in 1953, we see a summer in the life of Penny Falucci, who is all split up by her two families: her mother’s eccentric and culinarily-challenged side, and her dead father’s populous Italian side. The story for the novel came easily, but the book took three years to finish because of the careful research Jennifer put into it. The central Penny character was largely built off of Jennifer’s mother, and when many of Jennifer’s Italian family members began to pass away, her husband was shocked by how many Italian relatives she had. She realized then that there was a whole story there to tell. Penny From Heaven became a way for Jennifer herself to sort out family mysteries and to experience her family’s history through story.
The World War II era discrimination against Italian-Americans featured in Penny From Heaven did not happen in Jennifer’s family, but as a fairly recent discovery which was first publicly acknowledged by Bill Clinton in the 90s, Jennifer wanted to spread awareness of it as a part of our cultural history.
Jennifer Holm occupies an exciting position in the world of Children’s Literature. Her award winning books have as much appeal to adults as to young adults, and as thoroughly-researched historical novels, she is shaping young people’s understanding of our past.
Further information about Jennifer and her books is available at her web site www.jenniferholm.com.
Contributor: Brendan Frost
Reviews
Babymouse: Heartbreaker
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Babymouse’s head is filled with romance. Who will invite her to the school dance? As the days go by and no one asks her, Babymouse comes up with more and more elaborate plans to get a date (including a rather elaborate makeover inspired by Cosmouse magazine). Finally, she decides to ask someone herself, but even that fails to yield a date. Amidst Romeo and Juliet--and Gone With the Wind--inspired daydreams, Babymouse tries to navigate the winding path of adolescent love with often wacky results. This highly amusing graphic novel is a entertaining Valentine’s story skillfully balancing romantic fantasy and school situations without ever being sappy. The illustrations are black and white with, of course, some valentine pink. The comments to the characters by the mysterious narrator/artist add another dimension to the story, ensuring that people of all ages can enjoy this tale. 2006, Random House, $5.99. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780375937989
Babymouse: Our Hero
Babymouse, the delightful heroine of Babymouse: Queen of the World returns in another graphic novel, still living a much more exciting life in her imagination than in her routine days, and still supported by her friend Wilson and infuriated by her stuck locker and her stuck-up classmate Felicia Furrypaws. The final blow is the announcement of dodge ball in gym next week. Babymouse’s experience with dodge ball has been traumatic, so she prepares to play like a prisoner ready for execution. She has not even brought her sneakers. But when she sees Wilson threatened, Babymouse comes through, to the surprise of even herself. The end is another surprise, but will leave readers eager for the next encounter with Felicia. There is humor throughout, including side remarks along with the speech balloons. The style of illustration is the same as in the first adventure: heavy black line with pink washes, varying sizes and arrangements of frames, and animated action throughout. 2005, Random House Children’s Books, $5.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780375832307
Babymouse: Queen of the World!
This is the delightful story of Babymouse, who dreams of being queen of the world but who would be satisfied if the most popular girl at school would pay just a little bit of attention to her. When Babymouse finds out that Felicia Furrypaws is having a slumber party, she knows she has to score an invitation. The opportunity arrives when Felicia forgets to write her book report for class. Babymouse offers Felicia hers in exchange for an invitation, and when Felicia comes through, Babymouse is sure that the rest of her life will take care of itself. But Babymouse soon realizes that she has to choose between her best friend Wilson and potential popularity. She begins to understand that there are a number of ways that one can be a queen of the world. Babymouse’s imaginative subplots are hilarious, as are the wonderful illustrations that give life to Babymouse and her friends and acquaintances. A delightful read for the middle elementary female reader who is looking for a quick read. 2005, Clarion Books, $5.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780375832291
Boston Jane: An Adventure
Comfort reads will take you far away from the troubles of the world, wrap you in family warmth, and instantly create the close family times we are all craving. Such favorites are high in humor and adventure. These qualities can be found in Jennifer Holms' new book (Holms won a Newbery Honor award with her first book, Our Only May Amelia). Her second, Boston Jane, has another feisty, fascinating, upbeat heroine and is a mix of adventures, history, a little bit of romance, and lots of humor. Sixteen-year-old Jane is the beloved daughter of a widowed doctor. He admires her untamed spirit and his benign neglect turns mid-19th century Philadelphia into her playground. Jane is a tomboy who is skilled at throwing rotten apples, wears a stained smock, and is happy to sit on a patient to help her father. Jane adores her father and her simple life, until she's humiliated by snotty Sally Biddle who interrupts her fun "like a mosquito scenting a plump, bare leg." Jane decides to become proper and convinces her father to let her attend Miss Hepplewhite's Academy. Despite his fears that she'll become one of those "useless women who cares for nothing but dresses", her father gives his permission. Miss Hepplewhite follows "The Young Lady's Confidante" and Jane is amazed to discover she has "been standing, walking and sitting the wrong way all these years." She succumbs to rigorous polishing and also to William, a young man apprenticed to her father. When William goes West to make his fortune he asks her to marry him. Jane agrees and begins a second transformation en route to the territory of Washington. At sea she cares for fellow passengers, adapting her embroidery talents to sew up wounds. Upon landing she learns William has left Shoalwater Bay and she must fend for herself. Her training doesn't do much good in this rough wilderness. In short order, her expensive dresses are eaten by a hungry cow, she must share a cabin with flea-bitten crude men, trade her corset for Chinook dress, and as the only woman around receives "more proposals of marriage by more men in need of a good bath than I care to remember." Finally, Jane's grit, courage and good sense emerge. She discards William when it becomes apparent his proposal is based on land acquisition. She chooses instead Jehu, an honest scar-faced sailor who loves her. Part of the read aloud success of this book comes from its style and voice, which are as strong and buoyant as the heroine. Holmes' characters are well developed and their perceptions show they have a better sense of Jane than she has of herself. But Jane's path to self-knowledge provides lots of reading joy en route. 2001, HarperCollins, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780060287382
Boston Jane: The Claim
This is the third in a 19th century historical novel series about a young pioneer nicknamed "Boston Jane." Here 17-year-old Jane Peck must face two old nemeses that threaten her claim to happiness on the Northwestern Pacific Coast. Like a memelose (local Chinook Indian word for ghost) from Jane's East Coast past, Philadelphia Sally Biddle comes to live in the oyster town where Jane has finally settled in. Jane fought hard to support herself through an oyster business and as a concierge in the town's hotel. She also developed a circle of friends, including a loving boyfriend, Jehu Scudder. She is even about to claim a log cabin on property of her very own! But two-faced Sally spitefully undermines Jane's status. William Baldt, Jane's' former fiancé who jilted her to marry someone else, returns to the oyster town to take over by putting Chinook "savages" and women like Jane in their places. Jane's intelligence and Jehu's cleverness are a winning response to these threats. All is told in compelling historical detail in an 1850s Washington Territory setting. Acknowledgments, author's note, and a resource list indicate the research that went into the writing. The novel makes the reader want to read the other books in this series. The book is appropriate for a strong middle reader, while young adults especially should find the adventures of this independent young woman entertaining and educational. 2004, HarperCollinsPublishers, $15.99 and $23.99. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780060290450
Boston Jane: Wilderness Days
Jennifer Holm, author of Newbery Honor book, Our Only May Amelia, has given us another lovable heroine--Boston Jane, who is, at 16, both naïve and feisty, the ultimate courageous heroine. Having sailed alone around 2 continents to marry in the frontier Washington Territory, Jane finds herself betrayed by her betrothed and alone with the men of Shoalwater Bay, unchaperoned. Some readers may need to suspend disbelief that she can actually live in a small cabin with all kinds of rough frontiersmen without fear. It is true, she despises the men's filth and lack of manners, especially having learned to serve a perfect cup of tea at Miss Hepplewhite's Young Ladies Academy in Philadelphia. News of her father's death sinks Jane into despair. She is oblivious to the secret admiration of Jehu, a blue-eyed sailor, or Mr. Russell, her gruff 'landlord,' aka former fur trapper. Details of life in this rugged land in 1854, delightful friendships with Chinook Indians and their lives, and a host of well drawn, colorful characters support this well-crafted adventure plot. Jane finds herself in one miserable predicament after another, surrounded by the knowing and teasing of Jehu, Keer-ukso, and others. The ultimate trek through the wilderness to stop a murder is both gripping and funny, from Jane's skunk spray to her soggy petticoats to her near drowning after a bear chase. While the story ends on a satisfying note, the surprise ending, plus other "loose ends" in the plot lead us to expect a sequel about Jane. A short author's note about the times and the author's inspiration for this book as well as a resource list are included. 2002, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Elaine Wick (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780060290436
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told through Stuff
Seventh grade brings Ginny Davis not life’s metaphorical goodies but its mystery meat. Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf chronicles Ginny’s year through post-it notes, doodles, homework assignments, detention notices, lists and other written detritus. The form is brilliant and the voice fresh and funny. Middle-school readers will be drawn immediately into Ginny’s world, which consists of her mother’s wedding, a brain-related science fair project, a friendship gone bad, a first dance date, a shrunken favorite sweater and two troublesome brothers. Kudos to Maryland author Jennifer Holm for such an original and touching book and to illustrator Elicia Castaldi for the pictures so revealing of Ginny’s personality. 2007, Atheneum/Simon and Schuster, $12.99. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780689852817
Our Only May Amelia
Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm may be a miracle to her family but her goal is to be like her seven brothers. Inspired by the diary of her Finnish-American grandaunt, Ms. Holm brings to life a fearless, high-spirited girl at the turn of the last century. From fishing with her brothers, to helping them make fishnets, to convincing the loggers that she can warn villagers by yelling when the logs are coming down the river, she is her own person. She mothers her baby sister when her mother is ill and when the baby dies, she is devastated. She runs away to her aunt and uncle's in Astoria and stays there for many months working through her grief. The story is filled with action, details of life in Washington State in 1899, and family love. It is not surprising that it was awarded a Newbery Honor Medal. 1999, HarperCollins, $22.00, $15.95 and $4.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780064408561
Penny From Heaven
Eleven-year-old Penny lives in her mother's WASP house, where her grandmother's cooking is horrible, and her mother is overprotective of her deceased father's large Italian family. There, cooking and fun abound and she gets to hang out with her cousin Frankie. This Italian family’s eccentric grandmother dresses only in black, and her uncle Dominic lives in a car. She is haunted by her father’s mysterious death so what was it? Cancer? And why is it connected to Uncle Dominic? And why is the milkman hanging around her house so much? It takes an unexpected accident to bring all the pieces into order. Holm’s research is well woven into the story, her world is engaging, and the writing is vibrant. 2006, Random House, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
ISBN-13: 9780375836879
Added 07/30/08
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