Author: Peck, Robert Newton
Title: A Day No Pigs Would Die
Plot Summary: This
story takes place in a little town in Vermont called Learning, where Shakers
and Baptists live together. The family that this story focuses on are Shakers
and have learned to live in the community, even though most of the other
people they know are Baptists. Robert Peck, a 13 year old boy, must work
harder than he ever has before because his elderly father cannot keep up
the work he used to and Robert is now considered the man of the house. On
top of helping out around the farm, he has to keep up his grades in English,
take care of his mother and aunt, and learn to cope with life's problems.
Review: Robert Newton Peck's story of this small Shaker family is very touching. It is about a boy who, over a period of time, becomes more responsible and caring as he reaches manhood. He is willing to give up something he loves very much to save his family. Though the story line was good, the characters themselves were somewhat flat, since their emotions changed little throughout the book. I also thought that the way the Shakers talked may have been stereotyped, but it may be that that is how they really spoke. This book teaches a lot about family values and shows how hard it is to be different that everyone else. Peck's writing technique is very realistic and having the main character narrate the book worked out well. I think that most young adults would like this book. It is the type of novel that would appeal to most people, who just may identify with the passage into adulthood.
Interest Level: Grade 8
Genre: Miscellaneous
Quality: 4Q Popularity: 4P
(On a scale of one to five with five being the best.)
Reviewed by: Jeff C.
Grade: 8
Date Reviewed: 12/15/98
School:Littleton Jr/Sr High School
City, State, Country:Littleton, Massachusetts. USA