Little Copper Pennies

More than a currency, the penny is ingrained in everyday language, living and learning. Slated to be be eliminated on February 4, 2013, out-of-sight should not mean out-of-mind....

It is laughable for many of us to imagine that we could buy a pony ride, ten minutes of parking time, three jawbreakers or perform repairs with a penny. We can't imagine it, but many of our older generation can. In fact, they do not have to imagine. They remember.
Drawing on her experiences, interviews and research, Harris recounts stories of the Canadian penny that are both heartwarmingly nostalgic and pragmatic. little copper pennies portrays adventures of the soon-to-be-eliminated coin and its once-upon-a-time worth in trade and pastimes.
Yet this book is more than just memories. It is a legacy with a message. Through the  debates and facts, the author not only hones in the riches-to-rags life of the penny steeped in Canadian history, her experience as a school teacher also motivates us to acquire knowledge, to remember and to acquaint the new generations of the little coin's power.
You'll be moved by the stories, conveyed to the past, and inspired to appreciate the penny through new eyes.
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Whether you are Canadian or not, you will be inspired to view your country's lowest currency through fresh lens.  Karen Beekee, B.Sc. Mathematics

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I am quite impressed with this book as it seemed the perfect mix of history and the life of the penny. Susan brings the penny, called "Copper" to life, and enabled me to look at the "lowly" penny in a completely different light. I found the facts, "games" and household uses to be very intriguing and thought provoking. This book can be a resource for schools, in particular, grade 5 Social Studies, grade 12 Canadian Studies, Chemistry and Math.
I would recommend that this book be placed in every library in Canada, as it would allow readers to trace and follow the history of the penny from its inception to its retirement. I was pleased to have the opportunity to review this book, and pre-ordered copies for all the schools in Good Spirit School Division.
ALAN SHARP, Superintendent of Program Development, Good Spirit School Division, Yorkton, Saskatchewan