Penny Draws a Secret Adventure Penny Draws#3

By Sara Shepard
Reviewed by Jamie Willis

Sara Shepard has done it again with the third book in her Penny Draws series, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure. Sara might be most well known for her New York Times best-selling YA series, Pretty Little Liars, which was adapted into a Netflix TV show, however the Penny Draws middle-grade series has the potential to become just as popular, albeit with a younger crowd.

We first met fifth grader Penny Lowry in Penny Draws a Best Friend, where she was lonely and anxious but found a supportive group of friends. In Penny Draws a School Play, Penny overcame her fears of being in the school performance and found out her family was moving house and her mum was pregnant with twins.

In book three, Penny’s mum brings the twins home from hospital to their new house. The babies cry when they see Penny and she worries they hate her. Then, she discovers an old treasure map in her attic and is thrilled to have the opportunity to go on a secret adventure. However, as she follows the clues with her friends, she’s disappointed to realise everyone appears to have a talent that helps solve the mystery … except her. Can she deal with her anxiety, persuade the twins to like her and find the treasure?

As in the previous books, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure is written in the format of Penny’s diary to her dog, Cosmo. Penny documents her detective adventures and discusses her anxiety and problem-solving strategies. The endearing line drawings add depth to the stories and provide a gateway for readers of graphic novels to transition to chapter books.

This delightful series, with its loveable characters and engaging plots, continues to delight and is perfect for readers aged 8 and above.

Teaching Notes available
Text Publishing 2024