Book Review: A Penny for a Hundred
Ethel Pochocki; Maine Author

Mary Beth Owens; Maine Illustrator

A Penny for a Hundred is a historical fiction picture book based on true events in Maine’s Aroostook County during World War II, in 1944, where Clare and her parents worked on their potato farm. The gentle, colorful illustrations, as well as the black and white images, offer a realistic look at the acres of potatoes, the September harvest, and farm life in rural Maine. In addition to a delightful story, the words offer the feel of Maine regarding the varying temperatures from hot to freezing, the scents of some of Maine’s fragrances, and the sounds of Maine such as crickets in August.

Clare’s farm required tending from the time of planting to the time of harvest. As a little girl, Clare worked during the summer for ‘A Penny for a Hundred’. ‘ A Penny for a Hundred’ what? She had to pick a hundred potato bugs off the plants for just one penny! When Clare was older, she helped her family, neighbors, and other children harvest the potatoes which meant 3 weeks off from school in September.

To help with the potato crop, German POWs (Prisoners of War), who were enemies of the American people, were sent to Clare’s farm to help with tending and picking the potatoes. Clare and her family were not sure what to expect, but they soon found that German soldiers were much like American soldiers.

Read this true-to-life book to find out what many kindnesses Clare’s family provided for the German POWs and in turn, what kindnesses, Peter, Clare’s new German friend,  provided for her… and in later years, the community at large.

Enjoy this peaceful book set during war times.

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