Penrod
Penrod
Book Brief
Beta224
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
HumorMidwestern United States • 1910s
2007
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Penrod by Booth Tarkington portrays a young person's adventures and experiences during the early 20th century. The narrative follows Penrod Schofield, a 12-year-old, as he navigates everyday challenges and social dynamics in his small-town life, capturing the humor and mishaps that accompany his journey toward adolescence.
Humorous
Nostalgic
Playful
Reviews & Readership
2,037 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Penrod by Booth Tarkington is praised for its humorous and relatable depiction of a mischievous boy's adventures, capturing the essence of early 20th-century American childhood. However, some critics note its episodic structure and outdated cultural references. While charming, the humor may not resonate with modern readers seeking more depth or contemporary themes.
Who Should Read Penrod?
A reader who enjoys Penrod by Booth Tarkington likely appreciates early 20th-century American literature featuring humorous and mischievous adolescent adventures. Fans of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would enjoy Penrod’s witty exploration of boyhood and social norms.
2,037 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Booth Tarkington won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction twice, but Penrod itself, while popular, did not earn him the award, which he received for The Magnificent Ambersons and Alice Adams.
Penrod, first published in 1914, is often considered part of a trilogy along with Penrod and Sam (1916) and Penrod Jashber (1929), following the adventures of the same mischievous protagonist.
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224
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
HumorMidwestern United States • 1910s
2007
YA
10-14 years
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