Whittington

"Whittington" is a heartwarming Newbery Honor novel that skillfully weaves three narratives: the story of a scruffy barn cat named Whittington, the legend of his namesake, Dick Whittington's cat, and the contemporary struggle of a young boy named Ben who has dyslexia. Ben, along with his sister Abby, spends time in their grandfather Bernie's barn, a sanctuary for misfit animals. When Ben faces the threat of being held back in school due to his reading difficulties, Whittington begins to tell him, in daily installments, the inspiring rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington. This book beautifully explores themes of perseverance, the power of storytelling, and the importance of community and support in overcoming challenges. It's ideal for children aged 8-12, particularly those who might be struggling with reading or feeling different.

Bernie keeps a barn full of animals the rest of the world has no use for--two retired trotters, a rooster, some banty hens, and a Muscovy duck with clipped wings who calls herself The Lady. When the cat called Whittington shows up one day, it is to the Lady that he makes an appeal to secure a place in the barn. The Lady's a little hesitant at first, but when the cat claims to be a master ratter, that clinches it.Bernie's orphaned grandkids, Abby and Ben, come to the barn every day to help feed the animals. Abby shares her worry that Ben can't really read yet and that he refuses to go to Special Ed. Whittington and the Lady decide that Abby should give Ben reading lessons in the barn. It is a balm for Ben when, having toughed out the daily lesson, Whittington comes to tell, in tantalizing installments, the story handed down to him from his nameless forebearer, Dick Whittington's cat--the legend of the lad born into poverty in rural England during the Black Death, who runs away to London to seek his fortune. This is an unforgettable tale about how learning to read saves one little boy. It is about the healing, transcendent power of storytelling and how, if you have loved ones surrounding you and good stories to tell, to listen to, and to read, you have just about everything of value in this world.From the Hardcover edition.