A picture book set during the Great Depression tells how difficult times can bring out the best in friends and neighbors. Young Davey’s neighbor, Elsie Elkins, is about to lose her farm. She can’t pay the bank what she owes. The day before the Fourth of July, Davey’s mom sends him to the store for some ice to make lemonade, as a special treat. While Davey’s holding the penny Miss Elsie gave him for carrying her groceries to her old car, the storekeeper, Mr. Russell, gets an idea: they can try a penny auction for Miss Elsie. Participants agree to keep the bidding low so Miss Elsie can afford to buy the farm back from the bank herself. Deborah Hopkinson’s story is not based on a specific incident but it is grounded in fact with regard to penny auctions and many other details that give a sense of life during the Depression. (Ages 5–8)

One penny.

In the hot, mean summer of 1933, a penny is enough to buy caramels or red hots or peppermint sticks or licorice strings. Is it enough to buy Miss Elsie's Strawberry Farm?

There's only one way to find out. Davey takes a deep breath and shouts, "One penny for Strawberry Farm!"

Set during the Great Depression, and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Rachel Isadora, Saving Strawberry Farm brings Davey's Midwestern town to life as friends and neighbors plan to save the farm the only way they can -- with a secret penny auction!