A Penny Saved
I am excited to tell you about a chapter book I read recently that I fell in love with. The title is A Penny Saved written by Cynthia Simmons and Terri Gilllespie.
A boy named Mason has his world turned upside down when he, his little sister, Olivia, and their mother move into their grandfather’s house. Mason misses his cool friends. The weird kid down the street, R.B., thinks he’s Mason’s new best friend. Mason’s grandfather, a retired professor, stays in his office filled with musty, dusty books. He never realized there’s a magical treasure hidden in plain sight. An 1860 Indian Head penny, named Penny, who is alive.
When Penny goes missing, Mason helps his grandfather look for her. Will Mason find Penny and learn her secret?
I had a chance to ask the authors a few questions for a sneak peek behind the scenes. Here is what they shared:
How did you get the idea to write A Penny Saved?
Terri: Never underestimate the power of an idea between friends. What began as a leisurely conversation between Cynthia and me while at a home school expo, turned into a “we need to do this” reality. Initially, I was just helping my friend come up with a companion children’s book to her successful Southern Gold series, but that changed when characters began popping into my head that wanted to be part of the book, too.
Cynthia: Together we hatched the idea that Penny would be alive, and our creative juices just kept flowing from there. I had a good time creating her personality.
What is unique about this story?
Terri: Since this is a fantasy story set in contemporary times, it’s all about Miss Penny—an 1860 Indian Head Penny. Penny is alive and carries the legacy of Mason’s family after the Civil War.
Cynthia: – We included black and white children on purpose since we believe Christians should be able to navigate diverse relationships. Plus, I have a mixed-race granddaughter, and Terri has a black grandson.
Who is your target audience?
Terri: The book is for children ages 8 and above, but adults have enjoyed the story, especially the historical perspective.
Are you planning on writing more books together?
Terri: We are working on the next book in the Penny series. It’s working title is A Penny for Your Dreams.
Cynthia: The next book will be longer and include a timeline from the past as well as present.
Thank you, ladies, for taking the time to share with our readers. I am sure they will want to add this book to their “must read” list. We look forward to the next book in the series!
Learn more about Terri Gillespie at:
https://authorterrigillespie.com/
Visit Cynthia L. Simmons at:
Cynthia L. Simmons (clsimmons.com)
Here’s to finding surprises and mysteries in unexpected places!
Crystal
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