Fig Pudding [Paperback]

Ralph Fletcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1996 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Eleven-year-old Cliff Abernathy shares his family's trials and tribulations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

An 11-year-old boy, the oldest of six children, chronicles a tumultuous year; PW said that "this warm story... neatly blends the humor and frustrations of growing up in a large family." Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-7. Twelve-year-old Cliff, the oldest of six children ("Abernathys always overdo everything" ), recalls the past year in episodes focusing on his brothers and his sister. The year was bittersweet. There were good times, but there were also ones he'd like to forget--among them, the death of one brother, an event that will move readers to tears. Fletcher captures perfectly the humor, irritations, and sadness of life in a large, close-knit family and makes Cliff a sympathetic and thoughtful narrator, occasionally bewildered by his siblings' antics but always a completely believable older brother. The comedy in the final chapter will leave readers recalling hilarious family disasters of their own. Chris Sherman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044041203X
• ISBN-13: 978-0440412038
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.4 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ralph Fletcher is a friend of young writers and readers as well as writing teachers. He has written or co-authored many books for writing teachers includng Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide, Teaching the Qualities of Writing, Lessons for the Writer's Notebook, Boy Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices, and Pyrotechnics on the Page: Playful Craft That Sparks Writing. Ralph has worked with teachers around the U.S. and abroad, helping them find wiser ways of teaching writing.

Ralph's many books for students include picture books (Twilight Comes Twice, Hello Harvest Moon, and The Sandman), novels (Fig Pudding, Flying Solo, and Spider Boy), poetry (A Writing Kind of Day and Moving Day), and a memoir, Marshfield Dreams: When I Was a Kid. His novel Uncle Daddy was awarded the Christopher medal in 2002. He has also written a popular series of books for young writers including Poetry Matters, Live Writing, and A Writer's Notebook. Ralph lives with his family in New Hampshire. He is a strong environmentalist who believes we all must work together to live in a more sustainable way. His other passions include travel, good food, dark chocolate, growing orchids, and sports.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What's the secret ingredient in the Fig Pudding?, May 29, 2002

By 

Jay - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fig Pudding (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book! Told as a story by the narrator, we experience a little bit about each of his 4 brothers and 1 sister. Each one is a true character in every sense of the word, but at the same time, is very realistic. This is a very real family with characters that I just fell in love with. They are not always as nice as can be and they make mistakes - even the adults. We follow the family through a year in their lives (all from the point of view of the oldest child). There are ups and downs, but in the end everyone does love each other and is there to support each other.

This is a wonderful book about the enduring strength of family and the love and support that can be found in them. There are moments that will make the reader laugh at loud and others that will bring a tear to the eye of even the hardest individual. I truly wish this book had gained more recognition.

The opportunities for writing activities and discussions based on the book are endless with a little creativity. I fully intend on using this book in my classroom and hope others will as well. Like other Ralph Fletcher books, this is quality literature for students and adults - not simply a kid's book.

Why 5 stars?:
This book is incredibly well written with very real characteristics. It brings the reader through a variety of emotions as the narrator tells us about his family and the events that occur over the course of a year. The chance to engage students in sharing and discussing literature are excellent. I highly recommend this book for school libraries, and literature circles in the classroom. Parents should be encouraged to read this book with their children as a bonding experience of the discussions about family that will undoubtedly come out.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fig Pudding, December 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fig Pudding (Hardcover)

I just finished the book Fig Pudding. It is a great book. I was sad when Brad died because it touched my heart and all of the character's hearts too. My favorite part is when Uncle Eddie said,"Did you add a new ingredient?". It was funny. I wonder what book Ralph Fletcher likes the most? I wonder if this book was based on his real life? I wonder if he had a brother that died? The mood kept on changing in the story. That is why I liked it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great of 3rd Grade and up, August 7, 2005

By 

Allison (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fig Pudding (Paperback)

I first heard this book as a third grader- my teacher read it to our class. It loved it then: the characters were lovable, the writing was amusing and rich, and the story was captivating and memorable. So memorable that 8 years later, I borrowed this book from the library to reread and re-enjoy. I highly recommend this book to 3rd- 5th graders as a independent read or older kids for a quick read.

This book is hard to find in book stores, so buy online or borrow from the library.