
Set in rural Vermont in 1899, Katherine Paterson's 'Preacher's Boy' introduces Robbie Hewitt, a rambunctious 10-year-old determined to live life to the fullest before the new century. Son of a strict preacher, Robbie chafes against family rules and grapples with complex feelings about his 'simple-minded' brother, Elliot. His rebellious spirit leads him into a deeply damaging scheme with lethal consequences for a community member. The story explores themes of personal responsibility, faith, family dynamics, and moral choice as Robbie must decide whether to take ownership of his actions, with a man's life hanging in the balance. It's a thoughtful historical novel that offers rich ground for discussion on growing up and making difficult choices.
Robbie Hewitt wants to live as much as he can in case the new century, 1900, means the end of the world. His antics leave his preacher father unimpressed. Robbie¿s temper and spirit soon ensnarl him in a deeply damaging scheme and he must choose whether to take responsibility for his actions while a man¿s life hangs in the balance. Includes an author profile.