The Pigman Legacy

 

Title:

The Pigman Legacy

 

Bibliographic Information:

Paul Zindel, 183 page hardbound book

Harper & Row, Copyright 1980

ISBN: 0-06-026853-0

 

Summary:

John and Lorraine once tried to help an old man called the pigman, but he died.  Now the two have found another old man living in the same house and go out to help him.  The two become part of his life even if the old man (The Colonele) does not want their help.  When he does except them he ask them to do things that are illegal and cause problems.  This includes the playing cards with the old mans money and loosing most of it.  The two kids wonder what there legacy will be, darkness or light, pain and death or love.

 

Evaluation:

This novel is written as if the two main characters are writing down the story.  Each chapter is voiced by either John or Loraine.  This gives the novel a much more intimate feel even as the novel doubles as a story writing by them.  The use of language reinforces the difference between the two of them and the emotions each is feeling is very clear.  This creates a story that is easy to follow and understandable.

 

Readers Annotation:

The Pigman is dead, what will his legacy be, life or death?

 

Booktalking ideas:

Should young people go out and help old people or other people who are in trouble.  What is the best way for young people to interact with the older generations?

 

Author information:

Paul Zindel has written many different plays and stories for young people and has won a Pulitzer Prize for drama.

 

Genre:

Realistic Fiction

 

Awards:

 

Reading Level:

Grades 8 and up

 

Challenging Issues:

The story deals with life and death and having young people forcing their way into someone life.  The story also contains some illegal actions and includes gambling.

 

Selection Reason:

The story provided looked interesting and I have seen both this novel and the original many times when I was shelving books.