Pennybaker School is Revolting is the second book in the Pennybaker School series written by Jennifer Brown and illustrated by Marta Kissi. While newcomers might get the gist quickly, I recommend reading this series in order to fully enjoy the uniqueness of Pennybaker school and those that work or attend there.
Sixth-grader Thomas Fallgrout is finally settling in at Pennybaker School, home of student unicyclers, thespians, acrobats, and other classmates with unique and unusual gifts. After a bit of an unusual start to the school year, things are finally starting to seem normal. As normal as they ever could be at this decidedly unusual school, anyway. Until his Facts After the Fact (aka History) teacher Mr. Faboo goes missing, right in the middle of his favorite lesson of the year, leaving the class not a clue as to why or how. And his Four Square (aka Phys Ed) teacher introduces a new unit that is decidedly distressing. And Thomas’s neighbor, the formerly friendless Chip (he of the wacky sock collection), swoops in and bonds with all of Thomas’s friends, leaving Thomas in the dust. This year is getting out of control, and it’s up to Thomas to take matters into his own hands. It’s time… for a revolution.
Pennybaker School is Revolting is a fun story about friendship and figuring out the important things. Thomas is still struggling with the strangeness of his school, and his best friend. But, the a teacher that has gone missing and a series of events that leaving him with what is important to him. Thomas is trying so hard to find his place in school, with his friends, and who he wants to be and how he wants to be seen. This is all on par with what kids (and some adults) really struggle with on any given day. However, sometimes it did seem a bit much for me, but I am well past the target age and well into the stage where I no longer really care what people think about me- well most of the time. I enjoyed the black and white illustrations, and thought they add a nice touch and some additional humor and information to the story. I did like the craziness that happens in the story, and enjoyed the read. I just did not love it like I did the first book in the series.
Pennybaker School is Revolting is a good story about friendship and coming into your own. I think there are many readers that will enjoy it, and maybe see something of themselves or their worries inside.
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