A Part of the Sky [Mass Market Paperback]

Robert Newton Peck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 1997 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

In celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication of Robert Newton Peck's bestselling classic, A Day No Pigs Would Die, here is the eagerly anticipated sequel. This must for schools, libraries, and summer reading lists is now available for the first time in paperback. Times are difficult during the Great Depression, and thirteen-year-old Rob Peck must struggle to keep his family together after the death of his father. Disaster after disaster strikes and the family is forced to sell their farm. Relying solely on their strong Shaker faith and close family ties, the Pecks finally prevail and young Rob learns that true wealth extends beyond money and that real values are priceless.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Twenty-two years have passed since the publication of the popular A Day No Pigs Would Die, but scarcely a year has gone by in the life of Robert Peck, the Vermont farm boy whose story is continued here. The sequel reprises the rural locale and Shaker way of life that characterized the first book, with one major change: with his father dead, Robert is now responsible for the upkeep of the family farm. The deaths of the ox and dairy cow in swift succession worsen matters to a point where Robert contemplates selling the farm in order to survive. Filled with country wisdom such as "Forgiveness heals a hurt better than iodine or thread," this story may appeal to readers of the original book. But the author has omitted much of the detail that originally brought his setting so vividly to life, leaving this book a far less satisfying read. 35,000 first printing.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This poignant sequel to A Day No Pigs Would Die (LJ 11/15/72) will touch readers of all ages, for who could not fall in love with the young Rob Peck, a 13-year-old Shaker who takes on heavy burdens after the death of his father? Now responsible for Mama and Aunt Carrie, the family farm, and the Peck animals, Rob bravely faces death, bankruptcy, and subsequent foreclosure during the hard times of the early Depression. Disheartened by ongoing problems-his ox dies, the cow's milk dries up, drought stunts the harvest-Rob cannot meet the family's $12 monthly mortgage payments, and the Pecks lose their home. Ultimately, Rob learns that wealth extends beyond money and that real values are priceless. Recommended for public libraries..
Ellen R. Cohen, Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (June 24, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679886966
• ISBN-13: 978-0679886969
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.4 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #369,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Part of the Sky- Robert Newton Peck, March 26, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A Part of the Sky (Mass Market Paperback)

A Part of the Sky, a sequel of A Day No Pigs Would Die, is a very heart-touching story. Robert Peck, a 13 year old, was forced to end his childhood and grow up to take care of the farm when his father died. He had to sacrifice many days of school to deal with the farm and the mortgage on their farm at the bank. However, because of his determination to see his mother and aunt through this hard time and with the help of kind neighbors, the three of them survive the nigthmare of reality.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, November 23, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A Part of the Sky (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was a fabulous addition to the original book, A Day No Pigs Would Die. The book deeply covers the character's emotions as Robert Peck moves into manhood. The book also deeply covers the increasing relationship between Rob and Becky Tate. A overall great book enjoyable for everyone of all ages.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and touching, February 18, 2004

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DNP "waterlily525" (Framingham, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Part of the Sky (Mass Market Paperback)

From the author's dedication to his mother and aunt, "who worked a farm like men but stayed as soft as quilts" to the end when they lose their farm and have to start over, this book is filled with charm and honest emotion.

After I read "A Day No Pigs Would Die" to my two children, they were clamoring for more about Robert and his family.

This book is not didactic about values, but as you read the struggles and misfortunes Robert and his family face at the onset of the Great Depression, you will find those down-home, bedrock values in every chapter. GREAT family reading.

I, as an adult, enjoyed it every bit as much as my two children did.

Another series of books with the same "flavor" is Little Britches by Ralph Moody.