The four Penderwick sisters have adventures with their neighbor, a boy with a very strict mother, while on vacation. The characters are well-developed and lovely. Each Penderwick sister has a very different personality and they're all very likeable in their own way. They have a very close bond and it made me want to be a Penderwick, too!

This is a slow, rich, summertime story with an old-fashioned, timeless feel. It's also squeaky clean and would make a good suggestion for younger kids with advanced reading levels.

Readalike suggestions: This book really reminded me of "Little Women" with its close-knit, one-parent family of girls that play with the neighbor boy. Also other classics might appeal... "Anne of Green Gables" and "Five Children and It" come to mind.