A review by margothere
Penguin Problems by Lauren Myracle

2.0

Penguin Problems is a story about a seven year old named Ty. His life has been changed by a baby sister, and Ty is figuring it all out. This book must be written with the advanced but young reader in mind. It is realistic fiction, but, despite his best friend fighting leukemia (just touched on), the book is very clean and safe, with Ty going through adjustments relatable to most kids. Personally, I go back and forth between it's a nice safe book and it's just too clean, too perfect. And, it's definitely a series book, not very satisfying on it's own, kids will want to know more. There are definitely higher level 1st grade readers I would recommend it to as well as 2nd graders and some third graders. But there are a lot of kids I would not suggest it to because it's "safe" is not as relatable. It would be a good read aloud for first grade, with opportunities for discussion about relationships, school, and where "realistic" drops out of the book… read it, you'll see. The illustrations are a nice occasional break from the text. It's ending feels abrupt, although the intention is understood. Not a favorite read, but it certainly will be "the right book" for some kids.