Terpin [Hardcover]

Tor Seidler (Author), Peter Mccarty (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Terpin Taft is an easygoing, popular boy -- a "good egg," happy to tell people what they want to hear, even if it means stretching the truth a bit. Until the day he meets a stranger on a train and tells the man a consoling lie. The results are so disastrous that Terpin resolves never again to speak or act except by the truth in his heart. But this, too, has disastrous -- if sometimes comical -- results. In fact, his new policy of honesty wreaks such havoc among his friends and family that he finally has no choice but to flee his hometown.

Elegantly and lyrically written, Terpin is a modern fable that emphasizes the importance of being true to one's own values -- no matter what.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The titular hero is forced to leave town after vowing to forever tell the truth in Terpin (1982) by Tor Seidler.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Born in Littleton, New Hampshire, Tor Seidler grew up in Vermont and later, Seattle, Washington, in both of which places his parents were involved in the theater. Encouraged by his family's love of the arts, Mr. Seidler studied English literature at Stanford University, and at the age of twenty-seven his first book, The Dulcimer Boy, was published, launching his celebrated career as a writer.

Over the past twenty years, Mr. Seidler has become one of the most important voices in children's fiction with such classics as, A Rat's Tale, The Wainscott Weasel, an ALA Notable Book, Terpin, and Mean Margaret, which was selected as a finalist for the National Book Award in 1997. He currently lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Laura Geringer (March 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006623607X
• ISBN-13: 978-0066236070
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,461,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What is the "best policy?", October 1, 2000

By 

"soulscar" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Terpin (Hardcover)

How important is honesty? The main character in the book Terpin, a young boy by the name of Terpin Taft, wrestles with this question. What transpires afterward is a truly impressive study of the effects of honesty, frankness, and brutal honesty. While a short read, I must say that Terpin is one of the most significant and important books I have ever read. I have loaned it to many friends and relatives, and it always leads to interesting and poignant conversations. Sadly it seems that not many copies of Terpin currently exist. If you ever have the occasion to read this book I would strongly recommend you do so. It does something that all truly good books do. It makes one think.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Being honorable isn't always easy, April 23, 2002

By 

Anna from Texas Women's University (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Terpin (Library Binding)

Terpin Taft (what a great name) learns that lying has grave consequences and that telling the truth is not always easy. Tor Seidler effectively illustrates for young adults why stating your opinion and being honest is always the best policy in the long run. As the result of a lie Terpin causes the death (or believes that he is responsible) of an old man on the train. In order to avoid such tragic events in the future Terpin decides to only tell the truth. His brutal honesty is hard for family, friends, and teachers to take. When his girlfriend asks for his opinion on a paper, he tells her it is boring. He encourages a friend who is a pitiful football player, to concentrate on piano playing instead, and he tells the mayor of the town that her new project is destroying the environment. While the immediate consequences are negative - his friends and classmates bury him in snow and pelt him with snow balls - the reader learns at the end of the book that he has become the youngest Supreme Court Justice ever and is honored by everyone in his town. Terpin is well written and would be especially enjoyable for skiers (Terpin often ditches athletic practice to head off and ski). Socrates also plays an important role - Terpin comes to consider him a great friend. Terpin is a great book for young adults in a classroom setting, or a great book to share with your child.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terpin, March 24, 2005

By 

Jesse A. Nisson "BookLADY" (Idaho) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Terpin (Paperback)

I liked this book. It has merit for older more mature readers that will get the concept of being honest and true. But I liked the author's book "TOES" a LOT better. I'm a school librarian and recommend this book for grades 5 and up.