A Penny for a Hundred [Hardcover]

This affecting portrait of an unlikely friendship also creates a vivid depiction of home-front America.What a special book! . . . the story of humanity triumphing against all odds.A warm, sensitive story . . . that delivers a powerful message to young readers. --The Ellsworth AmericanA Penny for a Hundred is beloved children's book author Ethel Pochocki's timeless tale of culture shock in rural Maine during the Second World War. A young girl's family enjoys a memorable Christmas Eve with a group of German POWs, and even amid the hardships of war, they find much to give each other.A Penny for a Hundred is beloved children's book author Ethel Pockocki's timeless tale of culture shock in rural Maine during the Second World War. It is 1944 and nine-year-old Clare will finally be able to help with the potato harvestup until now, she was only able to earn the penny a hundred her father paid her to pick potato bugs off the plants.But this year, with so many local men off fighting the war, German POWs are brought in to help with the harvest. Clare's not sure what to expect from the strangers, but it soon becomes clear that these men are not so different from young American soldiersthey are relieved to be out of the fighting, but sad to be so far from home.For Christmas, Clare is determined to recreate at least one familiar tradition for Peter, a POW who has befriended her. Their gifts for one another strengthen the bonds of their friendship and help both the POWs and Clare's family enjoy a memorable Christmas Eve. Even amid the hardships of war, they find much to give each other.Honored as a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children.Award-winning author Ethel Pochocki wrote many books for children, including The Attic Mice, Rosebud and Red Flannel, and Maine Marmalade. A long-time resident of Brooks, Maine, Ms. Pochocki died in December 2010.Artist and illustrator Mary Beth Owens collaborated with Ethel Pochocki on several books. Parenting magazine selected Owens's book A lóT