Have you ever watched in wonder as a chain of events unfolds? It happens to fourteen-year-old Jenny Blake when she bends to pick up a penny embedded in the asphalt, setting off a domino trail of events. The ripple from these events results in a summer that changes the course of not only Jenny’s life but the lives of those around her.

One of the most profound impacts comes from the relationship that develops when Miss Shaw, the local jeweler, reaches out to Jenny and begins to teach her the lessons of unconditional love, including how to love herself. Coming from an abusive household, Jenny has a hard time finding value and strength within herself. As Jenny and Miss Shaw continue to draw on each others pain and work through their grief, they begin to uncover joy in the release of their secrets.

As Jenny continues to find pennies, she begins to give them away, sharing the miracle that came into her life with that very first penny. In connecting with those she shares the pennies with, she begins to draw more strength and confidence in herself. From that strength she begins to teach those around her the very gifts Miss Shaw has distilled in her.

The Penny is a touching coming-of-age story that reminds us of the importance of inner strength and reaching out to others, and the realization that sharing small gifts in life can lead to miraculous results.