Charlotte's Web. by E.B. White. Harper Collins, 1980. 184 pages.
Plot: This is the story of Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider and their adventures as unlikely friends. The story begins when Wilbur is born a runt and his owner plans to kill him because he will cost more than he is worth. The farmer’s daughter, Fern, convinces her dad to spare the pig’s life. The father agrees to allow Fern to keep Wilbur as a pet. This plan is short lived and Wilbur is sold to another farmer named Homer Zuckerman who lives down the road. Fern can visit Wilbur, but her visits decrease and Wilbur becomes lonely. Wilbur longs for a friend and none of the other animals seem to have time for him with the exception of a grey spider named Charlotte. Their friendship grows deeper and stronger. The animals learn that Wilbur is to be slaughtered for Christmas dinner! Charlotte starts a plan of action to save Wilbur. She spins a web above the barnyard door with the words “some pig” in it and the gullible humans believe it to be a miracle brought about by Wilbur. Wilbur is saved again and is taken to the county fair where he wins a prize (because Charlotte has secretly come along and spins one final word “humble”). Wilbur returns to Zuckerman’s barn and Charlotte has reached the end of her life span. Wilbur manages to retrieve Charlotte’s egg sacks and cares for it until the baby spiders are hatched. Wilbur never forgets the special friend he had in Charlotte.
Review/Personal thoughts: This is a classic children’s story. It is well-written and award winning. Themes of friendship, loyalty, loneliness, growing up and mortality are explored in this simple story. Although this book will most likely appeal to younger tweens, it has withstood the test of time. It is another book that is hard to put an age limit on because it appeals to adults as well.
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: 4.4 Interest level: Ages 8 to 11.
Awards: Newbery Medal/Honor 1953
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