A Day No Pigs Would Die

LS 5623 Book Review
YA Classic

Bibliography
Peck, Robert Newton. 1972. A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN 0679853065

Plot Summary
The book begins with a young boy helping a neighbor's cow with a breech birth, in appreciation for his trouble the neighbor gives the boy a newborn pig. The young boy, Robert, is so excited about his pig because, "She was the first thing I had ever really wanted, and owned." This is a classic coming of age tale with the conflict of the plot foreshadowed by the title, savvy readers will pick up this clue when they read that Robert's father is the pig butcher in the town.

Critical Analysis
This book is very plain speaking and factual while at the same time able to allow the reader empathy with Robert. While clearly depicting farm life readers who come from a more urban setting will still be clear on the necessity of everything having a purpose on the farm because Peck lays it out so precisely. When Robert's pig, Pinky, is unable to breed even the most urban reader will understand what needs to happen. It is a testament to Peck's ability to create a believable character that when Pinky has to be killed that the reader can cry with Robert but then move on to what needs to be done. Through strong characterization the reader can grow a little bit along with Robert our protagonist.

This book would be a good choice for reluctant readers since there isn't a lot of flowery or unnecessary language. The book is also very short at approximately 150 pages depending on your copy, this gives reluctant readers the chance at a quick pay off.

Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With plenty of Yankee common sense and dry wit, and some pathos as the boy at 13 takes on the duties of a man. For boys of this age and for the young of any age."
NEW YORK TIMES: "You’ll find yourself caught up in the novel’s emotion from the very opening scene. . . . Love suffuses every page."


Connections
* Have children create a book trailer, dust jacket, or an audio clip of A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE.
* Have children research Quakers.