While You Were Out

by Judith Irvin Kuns

Book Overview

Penelope wishes she were starting fifth grade with her best friend, Tim, who recently died of cancer. When everyone pairs off with friends from last year, Penelope is alone, with only her dad, the new janitor, to keep her company. Dad means well, but he keeps embarrassing her by acting more like a kid than a janitor. To ease her loneliness at school, Penelope begins writing secretly to Tim on "While You Were Out" notes. But when her messages mysteriously begin to be answered, Penelope realizes that she's not alone in missing Tim. This funny and moving story offers hope and comfort to children who have lost loved ones.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525472959
• ISBN13: 9780525472957
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Surviving 5th Grade

While You Were Out is a great book for kids to read, especially those who have ever lost someone close to them. Can you imagine starting 5th grade without your best friend? Penelope's best friend dies over the summer because of a type of cancer. Then to make matters worse, Penelope's own dad will be working in her school as the school JANITOR! All of this, plus the fact that she doesn't get to see her mother very often because her mom works at night, starts Penelope off to a rough start in 5th grade. Can she survive 5th grade? As I read this book, I felt Penelope's sadness and understood her anger. Whether you have ever had someone close to you die or move away, kids of all character will enjoy this book.