A young adult contemporary novel, PENELOPE’S DAILY HOROSCOPE is similar in theme to a YA Eleanor Oliphant and Dear Evan Hansen.
At almost sixteen, Penelope has life figured out. Her daily horoscope makes sure of that as she follows them meticulously every single day. Sure, Penelope just travelled from Australia to start high school in a small town in Nebraska, and her older brother refuses to talk to her because of a stupid mistake she made, but everything’s under control, thanks.
When her horoscope tells her to try something new, Penelope auditions for the school musical, despite the fact that she can’t sing. There she meets confident outcast Ha Rin, who doesn’t believe in horoscopes and certainly isn’t on board with Penelope giving her a random hug. Shame the horoscope didn’t mention anything about detention.
While there, Penelope and Ha Rin stumble upon a possible crime. Which is just fab because Penelope loves true crime and so does her brother back home. A real-life mystery will get him talking again. That or she’ll find a way to get back to Australia—because life in a new school across the other side of the world is tough and dealing with a trauma she can’t quite remember is tougher. Thankfully, Penelope has her horoscopes and they never let her down. Until they do.
PENELOPE’S DAILY HOROSCOPE explores themes such as repressed trauma and denial. It also celebrates friendships, family relationships, and finding true identity.
Paula Gleeson 