Preacher’s Boy is a 1999 children's historical novel written by American novelist Katherine Paterson. Set in Vermont during in 1899, the story focuses on Robbie Hewitt, the rambunctious 10-year-old child of a small town preacher and brother of simple-minded Elliot. Elliot has autism and many times Robbie wishes he was dead. Robbie is always being silly and tries at the beginning of the book to kill one of the Weston Brothers. The Weston brothers are the sons of the richest men in town. [1] As the boy’s mischievous behavior becomes more pronounced, he becomes engaged in activity that has lethal consequences for a member of his community. Complicating matters is the boy’s desire to challenge his father by breaking away from organized religion.[2][3] Certain that his family's beliefs are too restrictive, Robbie sets out to live life to the fullest, deciding to become "a heathen, a Unitarian, or a Democrat, whichever was most fun" (p.19).[4]
[edit] References
- ^ Giorgis, Cyndi; Nancy J. Johnson, Chrissie Colbert, Angela Conner, Janine King, Dottie Kulesza and Dotti Kulesza (2000-03-01). "Children's Books: Characters". The Reading Teacher.
- ^ “Preacher’s Boy” by Katherine Paterson, Google Books
- ^ Preacher’s Boy by Katherine Paterson, Kidsreads.com
- ^ Giorgis, Cyndi; Nancy J. Johnson, Chrissie Colbert, Angela Conner, Janine King, Dottie Kulesza and Dotti Kulesza (2000-03-01). "Children's Books: Characters". The Reading Teacher.
