I remember reading, and rereading, this book as a child. Growing up in Kentucky, I can relate to the rural aspects of the book. The story is timeless and timely in the world today. Jesse Stuart will remain forever in my heart and the hearts of grown children everywhere who read his works an example of what goodness can come from writing for children.

In "A Penny's Worth of Character" Jesse Stuart takes the reader back to a simpler time, when a boy could exchange used paper bags for a candy bar at the store. The message of the book is as old, that of honesty. Stuart skillfully illustrates the inner turmoil of a young boy who has been dishonest and how he makes it right. It's an excellent book for kids from 4th grade up and would make an excellent story to read aloud.

A story that I've never forgotten in 50 years of reading. I've searched for a copy of it for 40+ years. Any one, young or old, who readys this simple story will be changed forever...unless they are the most callous individual alive

Appalachia Inside Out is a collection of some of the finest writing produced by Appalachian writers about Appalachia. The volume is divided into thematic units such as Roots, Exploration, and Settlement, Heroes and Demigods, and Nature and Progress. The reader will find a find collection of essays, short stories, and poems carefully chosen to present the region accurately and honestly. Together volumes 1 and 2 of this work give scholars and general readers alike a full range of readings about Appalachia. As a graduate student, I found this book a fascinating introduction to the study of Appalachian writers and writing, and as a teacher of Southern Appalachian Literature, I consider this book invaluable. I highly recommend Appalachia Inside Out to anyone wishing to read and learn more about Appalachia.