Three Pennies
on Goodreads (484)
What’s inside...
A girl in foster care tries to find her birth mother before she loses her forever in this spare and beautifully told novel about last chances and new opportunities. For a kid bouncing from foster home to foster home, The Book of Changes is the perfect companion. That's why Marin carries three pennies and a pocket-sized I Ching with her everywhere she goes. Yet when everything in her life suddenly starts changing—when Marin lands in a foster home that feels like somewhere she could stay, maybe forever—the pennies don't have any answers for her. Marin is positive that all the wrongs in her life will be made right if only she can find her birth mother and convince her that they belong together. Marin is close, oh so close—until she gets some unwelcome news and her resolve, like the uneasy Earth far beneath the city of San Francisco, is shaken.
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marin
Dr. Lucy Chang
Discussion points
How do you think Marin felt when she was trying to find her birth mother? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
What role do the three pennies play in the story? Why do you think they are important to Marin?
How do the different characters in the book show kindness or help others? Can you think of a time when you helped someone or someone helped you?
What does 'family' mean to Marin? What does 'family' mean to you?
Why do you think it's important for Marin to know about her past? How does it help her understand herself better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Marin's situation, helping them connect emotionally with the character.
Discuss the symbolism of the three pennies and encourage your child to think of objects in their own life that have special meaning.
Highlight examples of kindness in the book and relate them to real-life scenarios to reinforce the value of helping others.
Explore the theme of family by discussing what it means to both Marin and your own family, stressing that families can come in many forms.
Facilitate a conversation about personal history and self-discovery, encouraging your child to share their own experiences and feelings about identity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of hope and perseverance
Explanation: In 'Three Pennies', the protagonist Marin faces numerous challenges in her quest to find a stable home but remains hopeful and perseveres. Her determination is a testament to the power of hope in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and keep striving towards their goals, regardless of the hurdles they face in everyday endeavors like schooling or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Marin is supported by a caring social worker and friends who help her navigate through her challenges. This highlights how vital support and friendship are during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and seek out friendships and supportive relationships to help them through their own challenges, whether it be at school or in family life.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy for others
Explanation: Marin's story provides insight into the life of someone in foster care, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding in the reader for people who might have different life experiences.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more understanding and empathetic towards their peers who might be facing different and possibly difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal history and identity
Explanation: As Marin delves into her past, the book shows how understanding one’s history can play a crucial role in personal identity and finding one's place in the world.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and take pride in their own histories and backgrounds, which can enhance their self-esteem and sense of identity.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Marin's journey involves stepping into unfamiliar situations bravely. Her courage in these instances is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new or intimidating situations, such as moving to a new school or trying out a new activity, with bravery and optimism.