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Growing Up in Faith with Penny Reeve
20 May 2026

Growing Up in Faith with Penny Reeve

BookWorthy

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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Penny Reeve, who shares her journey as a children's author and the inspiration behind her Tanya Abbey series. They discuss the themes of faith, generosity, and the importance of role models in children's literature. Penny elaborates on her latest book, Camp Max, and how it addresses complex issues in a way that resonates with young readers. The conversation also touches on Penny's writing journey, her favorite books, and her upcoming projects.

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Takeaways

Penny Reeve emphasizes the importance of exploring faith in children's literature.

The Tanya Abbey series addresses real-world issues through the lens of a child's perspective.

Generosity can come with a cost, a theme explored in Camp Max.

Fiction can provide role models for children, helping them navigate their faith and actions.

Penny's writing is inspired by her own experiences and the need for relatable characters.

The impact of a single reader can motivate an author to continue writing.

Penny believes in the power of storytelling to influence young minds positively.

Her favorite books often tackle complex themes and encourage critical thinking.

Penny's journey as an author began with a desire to create better stories for children.

Upcoming projects include a literature unit for homeschoolers and a picture book addressing modern issues.


Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Penny Reeve and Her Journey

02:35 Exploring the Tanya Abbey Series

07:50 Themes of Generosity and Faith in Camp Max

10:23 The Impact of Fiction on Young Readers

12:38 Penny's Writing Journey and Inspirations

16:30 Favorite Books and Their Influence

19:10 Upcoming Projects and Future Works

 

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