Rating: Summary: I call this a "reaction" novel. Review: As a seventh grade English teacher, I am always looking for thought-provoking novels to study in my classroom. I have been reading A Day No Pigs Would Die with my students for about ten years now. Since my students come from many backgrounds, I warn them about the many different reactions they will experience while reading the novel. Three years ago I purchased the teaching cassette tapes for the novel, since I really became tired reading the same chapters orally four times every day of the novel study. The majority of my students (boys and girls) say that they like the novel. The ones who don't like it think that they should be offended by the occasional swear word or sensitive subject matter. Actually, I think this novel is perfect for thirteen going on fourteen teenagers living in Europe. It is a must read!
Rating: Summary: "GILDED BY WORK" Review: Twelve-year-old Rob is the only surviving son of a poor Shaker farm family in Vermont. All his life he has yearned for a pet, for something which belongs to Him alone. When he receives a piglet from a kind and grateful neighbor, he is thrilled--lavishing both time and affection on tiny Pinky. Curious coincidence; Pa is famous locally as a high-quality pig butcher. This is a straight-forward tale of family love, respect for work ethics and courtesy toward one's neighbors, with smatterings of information about the Shaker sect and Vermont history thrown in. Many quaint words crop up, to test your pastoral vocabulary of past decades. The book reads quickly due to extensive dialogue between aging father and son. The tongue-in-cheek humor will bring a chuckle, while the pathos of harsh reality may bring a tear. Whatever its impact, this book will not leave you cold. A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE should be of interest to preteen boys, for it chronicles the coming-of-age struggle of a simple farm youth into a 13-year-old Man. But readers of all ages can enjoy this autobiographical glimpse into a New England boyhood, sprinkled with earthy humor, seething emotions, and quiet dignity.
Rating: Summary: A Beautiful, Sad Book Review: I read this book over 20 years ago when I was about 11 years old or so. I was deeply moved, at such a young,tender age, by the beautiful friendship between the boy and the pig. I cried for hours after I read about the pig's fate and the loss of the boy's best friend. This book will move any sensitive reader who has a soul and who loves animals. This book left a lasting impression on me and I highly recommend it
Rating: Summary: Great Book but not without it's faults Review: A Day No Pigs Would Die is a great book. You'll love it unless you don't like to read, or you can't stand being depressed by a story. The story itself I really won't go into though so I don't ruin it for you as the reader. My other problem that i had with this book is that I couldn't feel much for the characters in the book. It's possible though that since they are very different from myself that it was hard to relate to myself to them to make the reading experience more enjoyable. This book is great though, you won't regret buying it.
Rating: Summary: Possibly the worst book I've ever read! Review: I read 'A Day No Pigs Would Die' in my sixth grade reading class. I found the story gruesome, unreal, and just horrible! Although some parts were OK, other parts were hard to follow and had very explicit descriptions. I possibly was a little young to be reading it, but I didn't like it at all! I would reccommend this book for ages 14-16.
Rating: Summary: A compelling and catching book Review: It is a book that students will not want to put down. It gets the students involved and engages them in conversation. This book is wonderful for the students who are not your typical readers. I saw many of my students shine like they have never shown before during the process of reading. This is without a doubt a MUST READ!!
Rating: Summary: Excellent; akin to Harper Lee's immortal "Mockingbird Review: A first rate novel of significant proportions; a classic in the genre of "Mockingbird." Peck has created the definitive middle-grade introduction to serious literature, though a book for all ages. Its colorful language and humor, and cultural melieu, are windows into a literary classic that is delightful reading.
Rating: Summary: Interesting Story, but religiously inaccurate Review: I found this book engaging enough, but it was marred by several inaccuracies. The Shakers described in the book are certainly not true to life. Firstly, all Shakers were celibate.There would be no children living with a mother and father. Secondly, Shakers lived communally. There would be no privately owned individual farms. Lastly, there is also no "Book of Shaker" as mentioned. The people in the story sound more like Mormons than Shakers.
Rating: Summary: "It's the first book I've actually read." Review: As an eighth grade English teacher I eagerly look forward to the novel unit on "ADNPWD" because I know every kid in the class is going to do his reading homework and participate in the discussion. This book intrigues even the most reluctant student. So often I hear "it's the first book I've actually read." Who'd guess that "too cool to learn" kids would connect with a Shaker farm boy in 1920's Vermont? At least I can offer one educational thing the kids will like.
Rating: Summary: SAD AND CRUEL Review: This book was very depressing. Way to graphic and some times i could not even to bear to keep reading. I practically forced myself to finish it. It was very gruesome.
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