The story revolves around the central character, Lucy Taylor, who is a shy and quiet 11-year-old girl. Lucy and her brother, Sam, are struggling to cope with the death of their beloved grandfather, Pop, who was a renowned inventor. Their grief is further compounded by the constant friction between their family and the Andersons.
One year after Pop’s death, Lucy discovers a peculiar gift hidden among her grandfather’s belongings: a small, silver box containing a single, gleaming penny. Pop’s final instructions are clear: Lucy must give the penny to someone special.
Lucy, confused and determined to honor her grandfather’s wishes, begins a quest to find the perfect recipient. She encounters various individuals, including the Anderson family, where she meets a sweet and kind boy named Ben, who is the son of her family’s rival, Jake Anderson.
As Lucy interacts with Ben, she learns about the Andersons’ perspective on their rivalry and discovers that the animosity between the two families may not be as deep as she had believed. She also realizes that the penny holds a secret that could potentially bridge the long-standing divide between the families.
Ultimately, Lucy’s journey of finding the right person for the penny becomes a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and understanding. She learns the importance of looking beyond superficial differences and embracing the true meaning of kindness and generosity. The story ends with the potential for reconciliation and hope for a brighter future for both families.