Penrod

Penrod is arguably Booth Tarkington's most famous novel about a boy, Penrod, who is just about to turn twelve.

An excerpt from chapter XXVIII:

To be twelve is an attainment worth the struggle. A boy, just twelve, is like a Frenchman just elected to the Academy.

Distinction and honour wait upon him. Younger boys show deference to a person of twelve; his experience is guaranteed, his judgment, therefore, mellow; consequently, his influence is profound …"

Penrod is published by the Library of Indiana Classics.