Overview:
Chapter 1: The story starts off with a boy, named Robert, at school. He is getting picked on at recess by another boy. The other boy is making fun of his clothing. So, instead of fighting back, the Robert runs home. While on his way home he sees one of his neighbor's cows. The cow is struggling to give birth, so he decides to help. He uses his pants to help hoist the calf out of the cow. Once the calf is free, the boy puts his hand in the cow's mouth. The cow has something logged in it's throat. The boy tries to remove it but the cow fights back.
Clarify: Is this boy a shaker? He helped the cow give birth? He saved the cow's life?
Questions: What grade is he in? Why does he help the cow? He did not get in trouble for leaving school?
Predictions: The boy will remove the blockage from the cow's throat. Then he will get a reward from his neighbor.
Prior Knowledge: The cow reminds me of my aunt's house. My aunt has cows and a farm. I can relate to the boy because I used to get picked on at recess when I was young.
Chapter 2: Robert awakens to find himself in the arms of his parents. Mr. Tanner, his neighbor, found him and brought him to his parents. They are cleaning him of all the slime and blood. Once clean, they start to sew up his arm, they believe it could be broken. Robert winces with pain. His parents and Mr. Tanner are shocked to find a goiter in the hands of Robert. Once conscious Robert explains all that had happened. His father tells him how lucky he is that he does not give him a whooping for skipping school. Robert's father could not stay mad, he gave Robert a piece of spruce gum wishing him good health.
Clarify: Did the cow break Robert's arm? Are his parents mad at him? Is Mr. Tanner mad at him?
Questions: Why was he unconscious? Will he be able to go back to school? Will his dad whoop him? Is the cow still alive?
Predictions: Mr. Tanner will somehow repay Robert for his troubles. Robert will miss the next day of school.
Prior Knowledge: I fell down the steps once and remember having to get stitches. Also, I can recall my father spanking me with a belt when I was young.
Chapter 3: Robert stays in bed for the rest of the week. He finally rolls out of bed on Saturday, exaggerating his limp. His pops notices him and demands he come help set up a fence post. While setting up the post Mr. Tanner comes by with two calves. Turns out that Apron had given birth to twins! Mr. Tanner named then Bob and Bib. To repay Robert for his troubles Mr. Tanner gave to him a little baby pink pig. Robert named her, Pinky. Robert's father tries to explain to Robert that Pinky will need her own pen away from the other animals.
Clarify: Robert's father accepted the pig as payment for his future help with the calves. Why did he not want to accept the pig at first? Why was Mr. Tanner so persistent?
Questions: Will Pinky be a show pig? Will it grow tusks? Is Robert's dad right about the old "Shaker Laws?" Why is Robert so excited bout a pig?
Predictions: Robert will build a pen for Pinky to live in. Pinky will become a show pig at the fairs. Pinky will stray off and be killed.
Prior Knowledge: The tusks talked about remind me of wild boars. The little pig reminds me of the pig in Charlotte's Web.
Chapter 4: The whole chapter deals with Robert and his father setting up the pen for Pinky to sleep in. While out there they decide that the crib by the cow would make a good pen. So they strap up Solomon to a capstan crank and have him pull the crib. All the while Robert is telling his father about two baseball players named Ethan Allen, and Abner Doubleday. He explains how on his history test he wrote down Abner as being an important person in Vermont history. His teacher disagreed saying Ethan is more important. Also, it is revealed that Robert's father can not read or write. This means that he can not vote. We start to notice a little anger in Robert's dad, as he explains how people judge him. After the crib has been pulled to the location away from the cow pen, Robert sleeps with Pinky in it.
Clarify: they are using Solomon to move the crib. What is Robert's dad's name? His father can not read or write.
Questions: What is a yoke? Why is his dad so stubborn? Why does his father not learn to read and write?
Predictions: Pinky will squeal during the nights she is alone. Robert will teach his father to read and write.
Prior Knowledge: Robert's dad not being able to vote reminds me of when African Americans were not allowed to vote. Also, I have actually seen a cow pull something on a capstan crank.
Chapter 5: Robert goes to the Shaker meeting on Sunday, and gets to sit behind Becky Tate. Afterwards, Rob and Pinky go on a walk by where Rob previously had encountered Apron. While on a walk they come to some streams. Pinky decides to eat the a butternut that Robert cracked for her. Pinky seems to love them. Robert then makes a flutterwheel in the stream, showing Pinky how it works. Pinky also finds a frog and is scared by it at first. While exploring around a crow barks and scares Pinky. The crow swoops down and eats the frog. Robert then starts to tell Pinky about how he is named after Robert Rodgers and about eating frog legs. Robert Rodgers was a Shaker mayor who fell in love with a Native American woman and had children. Mr. Rodgers would dress up as a Native American. Upon return home Pinky and Robert find out that their cat has given birth to three kittens.
Clarify: Robert was named after the old mayor Robert Rodgers. His father has much respect for the Native Americans. Pinky is no longer scared of small animals.
Questions: Why did Robert know how to make a flutterwheel? Are they going to sell the kittens?
Predictions: Pinky and the kittens will get into an altercation. Robert will end up dating Becky Tate.
Prior Knowledge: I have Native American ancestry so the story about Robert Rodgers reminds me of that. I used to have three kittens when I was little.
Chapter 6: The story has fast forwarded to June, and it is the last day of school. Robert walks home through the grass unlike the usual dirt path. He arrives home and finds that his Aunt Carrie and Aunt Matty are coming over to have a cup of tea with his mom. When they all arrive Robert explains that he makes the worst mistake of the summer. He shows his mom his report card, showing that he got all A's (ignoring the fact he got a D in English). Take in account his mother can not read so she does not see the D. However, when he shows his Aunt Matty she flips out when she sees that he had received a D. She is an ex -English teacher and decides that she has to tutor Robert. She starts off by giving him a few sentences and asks him to pick out the most correct one. When he fails she gets a little frustrated. Robert's tutor session ends because he has to do chores, but before he goes Aunt Matty says "Next time I'll teach the pig."
Clarify: Robert received all As expect one D in English. Aunt Matty used to be an English teacher. Aunt Matty taught a higher level English than Robert has been in.
Questions: Will Robert have to be tutored all summer long? Will he improve? Is Aunt Matty kind of crazy?
Predictions: Aunt Matty will tutor Robert until he is proficient. She will also teach his father to read. Robert will use his new found knowledge to question the world.
Prior Knowledge: The tutoring reminds me of when I was in 1st grade and had to go to summer school. I went through the same thing back in middle school, I received all As except one D in gym.
Chapter 7: Robert and Pinky are laying down in the purple clover field. Robert likes to suck the nectar from the clovers. He tries to get Pinky to try some but she does not seem interested. While lying there Robert notices a red tailed hawk flying overhead. The hawk is circling and swoops down just feet from where Rob and Pinky are at. The Hawk is thrashing around and comes up with a rabbit. Robert tries to chase the Hawk but can not keep up. On the way home Rob tells Pinky how good of a cook his mom is, also how well he keeps her (Pinky). When they get home Haven tells Robert that the sunset has to be one of his favorite aspects of life.
Clarify: Robert loves the purple clover. His mom is a good cook. Does the hawk symbolize something?
Questions: Why is this chapter even included? Why is it important? Are there any important details in this chapter?
Predictions: Robert will continue to eat the nectar. His father and him will bound more. Pinky will continue to grow and become a prize winning pig.
Prior Knowledge: When I was little I used to suck the nectar from purple clovers. I always remember laying in the grass by my house and eating them with my brothers and sisters. I truly can relate to this chapter.
Chapter 8: Robert is awoken in the middle of the night by a thunder storm. He hears a women downstairs talking to his mother about digging something up. He strains to listen but only gets pieces of the conversation. Then his father comes in and calls for him to get dressed and get Solomon ready. After making sure Solomon is ready, Rob sees his dad come outside with a lantern and shotgun. They head towards town. When they arrive they head to the cemetery. They see a man digging up a grave. The man is Sebring Hillman. He is digging up the grave of his daughter, of who was born to a woman that Sebring had an affair with. Sebring plans to bring her back to Shaker land and bury her. After hearing the situation Haven and Robert help him, and bring him back to their home. They invite him in and they all have cups of tea. Robert heads for bed and hears Mr. Hillman say "Let's go home, May."
Clarify: Sebring had an affair with a non-Shaker woman. His daughter born to that woman died. She was buried next to her mother. Sebring went to dig up his daughters grave and bring it back to his Shaker land.
Questions: Why does he want to bring his daughter's grave back? Did Haven know what was happening the whole time? Does Robert really understand? Will the townspeople get mad at Sebring?
Predictions: The townspeople will become mad at Sebring for digging up graves. Haven will have to defend him. One may be sent to jail.
Prior Knowledge: Many nights during the summer I have been awaken by thunder storms. Also, I remember I used to try to secretly listen to my parents talking about Christmas presents.
Chapter 9: Robert hears his Aunt Carrie and mother talking about their neighbor Widow Bascom. Rumors went around that Widow Bascom slept with Ira Long, her hired hand. This makes Aunt Carrie mad and she says it is a terrible Sin. Robert's mother on the other hand does not care at all. She thinks it is good for Widow Bascom. Robert then starts to recall when he had talked to Widow Bascom. Once he and his buddy were running through her strawberry patch and she whooped them both with a broom. The last time he saw her was just a few days ago, she asked him to help with some pots of plants. He did so and she invited him to have some cookies. Then out came Ira Long, he was a huge man. Robert and them talked about how he had helped Apron with her calves and Pinky. They chatted how Mr. Tanner was going to take them to the fair. Then Robert left. Haven came up to Robert and asked him if he wanted to go to the fair to show off Pinky. Widow Bascom had told Mr. Tanner how bad Robert wanted to go so he said he would bring Robert. Haven only let him go if he put Mr. Tanner's needs over his own and finished his chores. Robert had never been so happy in his life, he slept with Pinky that night.
Clarify: Widow Bascom did sleep with Ira Long. She is a happy woman now, unlike how she used to be. Mr. Tanner needs help showing his calves and decides to invite Robert. Robert can show his pig off. Robert is going to go to the fair.
Questions: Why does it matter if Widow Basom slept with Ira Long? Why does Aunt Carrie care so much? Will Robert get to show off Pinky? Will Pinky win a blue ribbon?
Predictions: Pinky will win a blue ribbon from the fair. Robert will continue to go back to the fair each year.
Prior Knowledge: The talk about the fair and pigs reminds me of Charlotte's Web.
Chapter 10: The day has finally come, Robert is getting ready to set off for Rutland. His father yokes Solomon and his mom packs his lunch. Aunt Carrie also sneaks him 10 cents for a merry-go-round ride. Robert sits between Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Tanner on the way up to Rutland. When they arrive Bess Tanner talks about going to a restroom and for Rob to watch out for perverts. Robert thinks shes going to take a rest, and that perverts are like a clarinet, and he really wants to see one. They then go take Pinky, Bob, and Bib to the pens and get them ready to show. Robert gets to show Bob and Bib and everybody claps for them and marvels at their beauty. As soon as he finishes, Bess comes and says they are about to show the pigs. So, Mr. Tanner and Rob go to get Pinky but had rolled in poop. Robert has to go find soap, and he spends his ten cents to pay for the soap he takes from some guy. They was Pinky and Rob goes out to show her. Robert is feeling lightheaded and while walking with Pinky bends over and pukes. When he regains consciousness he sees that Pinky had won a blue ribbon for "best behaved pig."
Clarify: Did Bob and Bib win a ribbon? Is his father happy Robert went to Rutland?
Questions: How many ribbons are awarded? Will Robert go again next time? Will his dad be proud of him?
Predictions: Haven will be proud of Robert but tell him not to talk about it. Robert will go and tell Widow Bascom what happened.
Prior Knowledge: Thinking about the fair reminds me of when I went to the Allegan County Fair. Also, the cows remind me of my aunt's cows and how I used to love to go and mess with them.
Chapter 11: Robert gets home really late from Rutland. He does not remember the ride back, he was asleep most the time. The first thing he says is that Pinky won a blue ribbon. They all stay up and eat blackberry pie, and he explains all that happen while he was away. Haven has done all of his chores for him. In the night he hears a weird noise but is so tired he just forgets about it. He comes to find out the next day that a weasel had gotten into the hen coop. He tells Haven and Mrs. Bascom's hired man, Ira Long, has a terrier. They bring her over and try to weasel the dog. The dog kills the weasel but is dying and hurting bad, so they decided to end her misery. They all swear to never weasel another dog again. Robert buries Hussy (the dog).
Clarify: People would weasel a dog so that whenever the dog smelled a weasel it would chase it away. They will never weasel another dog.
Questions: Why did they think Hussy could survive? Why did they do it? Is Ira Long mad at Mr. Tanner?
Predictions: The pig is going to die much like Hussy. Ira Long will be mad at the Tanners for a long time.
Prior Knowledge: I have never heard of weaseling a dog before but I've watched a video of dog fighting and it is horrendous.
Chapter 12: Pinky arrives home from the fair. Robert shows the ribbon off, then pins it to his wall. Robert talks about how Pinky is the greatest pig and is happy she will never be butchered. Haven tells Robert that she should have gone into heat weeks ago. Robert starts to wonder if she is going to not be able to have babies. Haven explains that is likely, and that Aunt Carrie can't have babies either. Rob's mom tells him to come inside and get the 22 gauge. He takes the gun and hunts a squirrel. He kills it and gives the nutmeat to his mom and throws the rest of the squirrel to the chickens. Rob and his dad talk about the apple harvest and how Robert did it slightly wrong. Then Haven talks about how Mr. Tanner is a better farmer, and that he is dying. Haven tells Rob he needs to become a man and take care of the family and the farm. Also, how Rob needs to become more than a farmer and use his schooling. Rob's father leaves him and Robert stays up and stares at the fire.
Clarify: Robert's father is dying. Pinky can not have piglets. Robert will have to take care of the farm.
Questions: Does anybody else know of Haven's illness? WIll Robert tell his mother? Will Pinky be able to have babies?
Predictions: Pinky will be able to have babies and will breed well. Haven will die in the coming chapters.
Prior Knowledge: One of my mom's friend can not have children, and it is one of the saddest things to think about.
Chapter 13: November rolls by and Pinky still has not gone through heat. So, Robert tells Mr. Tanner. Mr. Tanner explains that sometimes pigs have to be courted by the right boar. He brings over his prize boar Samson. Samson and Pinky do not get along and Pinky bites Samson's ear off. Samson mounts Pinky and starts to have intercourse. Mr. Tanner says that he charges a "stud fee" meaning he gets two of the liter or $50. They chat about school and how Rob does not have an A in English. Also, how Robert can expect a lot of money from the piglets. Robert believes it is against Shaker ways to think about money. Then Pinky squeals and bleeds Robert wants to stop the act all together. Mr. Tanner ensures him everything is all right and that next time Pinky will be ready.
Clarify: Samson rapes Pinky. Pinky was not and is not ready to breed. Pinky is definitely barren. Mr. Tanner is a baptist.
Questions: Why is it against Shaker ways to think of a lot of money? Does Robert regret bringing Samson over? Will Pinky not be able to produce piglets?
Predictions: Pinky will not be able to have piglets. Robert will have to kill Pinky.
Prior Knowledge: Robert explaining that in his religion it is wrong to think of money like that, reminds me of my mother telling me not to dwell on things I want.
Chapter 14: It is December and food is becoming hard to get. The apple crop is bad. Haven would go out every morning and try to shoot a deer but never had any luck. All of his neighbors had shot one, but he had a shotgun and had to get really close to get a good shot. He becomes so sick that he must sleep in the barn. Samson has bred with Pinky but she still is barren. One night Haven calls Robert and tells him "it's time." Robert does not ask what, he knows. They go out and sharpen the tools. Robert holds down Pinky, Haven then beats her with a metal bar. Then he cuts her throat, guts her, and puts her into the boiling pot of water. Robert cries and for a minute hates his father. Haven explains it is part of growing up, Robert understands and kisses his dad's hand. For the first time Robert sees his father cry.
Clarify: They had to kill Pinky to ensure survival. His father is getting worse and worse.
Questions: Will Robert be able to eat Pinky? Will Haven die? Will the pork be enough to last the winter?
Predictions: Haven will soon die. Robert will have to take care of the family and run the farm.
Prior Knowledge: We had to put our dog RJ down and I was really sad, but my father told me it was for the best. It was hard to understand at first but eventually I understand, and that experience reminds me of the death of Pinky.
Chapter 15: Robert awakes to find that his father has not come inside yet. He walks out to the barn to find his fathers body. He is dead laying in the barn. Robert goes in and tells his mother and aunt. He tells them he is going to go tell the neighbors. Robert does all of the chores and digs a grave for his father. Once everyone arrives he gives a small speech about his dad. He then watches them cover his father's grave. After everyone leaves Robert puts back on his work clothes and begins to tend to the farm. He is only 13, but it is now his responsibility to take care of the family and farm. Life is hard.
Clarify: Haven finally passed away. Robert has to take care of the farm all by himself. Robert is still a kid.
Questions: Will anyone help Robert with the farm? Will he be able to run the farm?
Predictions: Robert will continue to run the farm. Mr. Tanner and Ira Long will help Rob with the farm. Robert will become a teacher.
Prior Knowledge: Seeing Robert's father die and Rob have to take responsibility reminds of when my grandpa died. I can not imagine how my father felt at that moment, and when he had to talk at his own father's grave.
Chapter 1: The story starts off with a boy, named Robert, at school. He is getting picked on at recess by another boy. The other boy is making fun of his clothing. So, instead of fighting back, the Robert runs home. While on his way home he sees one of his neighbor's cows. The cow is struggling to give birth, so he decides to help. He uses his pants to help hoist the calf out of the cow. Once the calf is free, the boy puts his hand in the cow's mouth. The cow has something logged in it's throat. The boy tries to remove it but the cow fights back.
Clarify: Is this boy a shaker? He helped the cow give birth? He saved the cow's life?
Questions: What grade is he in? Why does he help the cow? He did not get in trouble for leaving school?
Predictions: The boy will remove the blockage from the cow's throat. Then he will get a reward from his neighbor.
Prior Knowledge: The cow reminds me of my aunt's house. My aunt has cows and a farm. I can relate to the boy because I used to get picked on at recess when I was young.
Chapter 2: Robert awakens to find himself in the arms of his parents. Mr. Tanner, his neighbor, found him and brought him to his parents. They are cleaning him of all the slime and blood. Once clean, they start to sew up his arm, they believe it could be broken. Robert winces with pain. His parents and Mr. Tanner are shocked to find a goiter in the hands of Robert. Once conscious Robert explains all that had happened. His father tells him how lucky he is that he does not give him a whooping for skipping school. Robert's father could not stay mad, he gave Robert a piece of spruce gum wishing him good health.
Clarify: Did the cow break Robert's arm? Are his parents mad at him? Is Mr. Tanner mad at him?
Questions: Why was he unconscious? Will he be able to go back to school? Will his dad whoop him? Is the cow still alive?
Predictions: Mr. Tanner will somehow repay Robert for his troubles. Robert will miss the next day of school.
Prior Knowledge: I fell down the steps once and remember having to get stitches. Also, I can recall my father spanking me with a belt when I was young.
Chapter 3: Robert stays in bed for the rest of the week. He finally rolls out of bed on Saturday, exaggerating his limp. His pops notices him and demands he come help set up a fence post. While setting up the post Mr. Tanner comes by with two calves. Turns out that Apron had given birth to twins! Mr. Tanner named then Bob and Bib. To repay Robert for his troubles Mr. Tanner gave to him a little baby pink pig. Robert named her, Pinky. Robert's father tries to explain to Robert that Pinky will need her own pen away from the other animals.
Clarify: Robert's father accepted the pig as payment for his future help with the calves. Why did he not want to accept the pig at first? Why was Mr. Tanner so persistent?
Questions: Will Pinky be a show pig? Will it grow tusks? Is Robert's dad right about the old "Shaker Laws?" Why is Robert so excited bout a pig?
Predictions: Robert will build a pen for Pinky to live in. Pinky will become a show pig at the fairs. Pinky will stray off and be killed.
Prior Knowledge: The tusks talked about remind me of wild boars. The little pig reminds me of the pig in Charlotte's Web.
Chapter 4: The whole chapter deals with Robert and his father setting up the pen for Pinky to sleep in. While out there they decide that the crib by the cow would make a good pen. So they strap up Solomon to a capstan crank and have him pull the crib. All the while Robert is telling his father about two baseball players named Ethan Allen, and Abner Doubleday. He explains how on his history test he wrote down Abner as being an important person in Vermont history. His teacher disagreed saying Ethan is more important. Also, it is revealed that Robert's father can not read or write. This means that he can not vote. We start to notice a little anger in Robert's dad, as he explains how people judge him. After the crib has been pulled to the location away from the cow pen, Robert sleeps with Pinky in it.
Clarify: they are using Solomon to move the crib. What is Robert's dad's name? His father can not read or write.
Questions: What is a yoke? Why is his dad so stubborn? Why does his father not learn to read and write?
Predictions: Pinky will squeal during the nights she is alone. Robert will teach his father to read and write.
Prior Knowledge: Robert's dad not being able to vote reminds me of when African Americans were not allowed to vote. Also, I have actually seen a cow pull something on a capstan crank.
Chapter 5: Robert goes to the Shaker meeting on Sunday, and gets to sit behind Becky Tate. Afterwards, Rob and Pinky go on a walk by where Rob previously had encountered Apron. While on a walk they come to some streams. Pinky decides to eat the a butternut that Robert cracked for her. Pinky seems to love them. Robert then makes a flutterwheel in the stream, showing Pinky how it works. Pinky also finds a frog and is scared by it at first. While exploring around a crow barks and scares Pinky. The crow swoops down and eats the frog. Robert then starts to tell Pinky about how he is named after Robert Rodgers and about eating frog legs. Robert Rodgers was a Shaker mayor who fell in love with a Native American woman and had children. Mr. Rodgers would dress up as a Native American. Upon return home Pinky and Robert find out that their cat has given birth to three kittens.
Clarify: Robert was named after the old mayor Robert Rodgers. His father has much respect for the Native Americans. Pinky is no longer scared of small animals.
Questions: Why did Robert know how to make a flutterwheel? Are they going to sell the kittens?
Predictions: Pinky and the kittens will get into an altercation. Robert will end up dating Becky Tate.
Prior Knowledge: I have Native American ancestry so the story about Robert Rodgers reminds me of that. I used to have three kittens when I was little.
Chapter 6: The story has fast forwarded to June, and it is the last day of school. Robert walks home through the grass unlike the usual dirt path. He arrives home and finds that his Aunt Carrie and Aunt Matty are coming over to have a cup of tea with his mom. When they all arrive Robert explains that he makes the worst mistake of the summer. He shows his mom his report card, showing that he got all A's (ignoring the fact he got a D in English). Take in account his mother can not read so she does not see the D. However, when he shows his Aunt Matty she flips out when she sees that he had received a D. She is an ex -English teacher and decides that she has to tutor Robert. She starts off by giving him a few sentences and asks him to pick out the most correct one. When he fails she gets a little frustrated. Robert's tutor session ends because he has to do chores, but before he goes Aunt Matty says "Next time I'll teach the pig."
Clarify: Robert received all As expect one D in English. Aunt Matty used to be an English teacher. Aunt Matty taught a higher level English than Robert has been in.
Questions: Will Robert have to be tutored all summer long? Will he improve? Is Aunt Matty kind of crazy?
Predictions: Aunt Matty will tutor Robert until he is proficient. She will also teach his father to read. Robert will use his new found knowledge to question the world.
Prior Knowledge: The tutoring reminds me of when I was in 1st grade and had to go to summer school. I went through the same thing back in middle school, I received all As except one D in gym.
Chapter 7: Robert and Pinky are laying down in the purple clover field. Robert likes to suck the nectar from the clovers. He tries to get Pinky to try some but she does not seem interested. While lying there Robert notices a red tailed hawk flying overhead. The hawk is circling and swoops down just feet from where Rob and Pinky are at. The Hawk is thrashing around and comes up with a rabbit. Robert tries to chase the Hawk but can not keep up. On the way home Rob tells Pinky how good of a cook his mom is, also how well he keeps her (Pinky). When they get home Haven tells Robert that the sunset has to be one of his favorite aspects of life.
Clarify: Robert loves the purple clover. His mom is a good cook. Does the hawk symbolize something?
Questions: Why is this chapter even included? Why is it important? Are there any important details in this chapter?
Predictions: Robert will continue to eat the nectar. His father and him will bound more. Pinky will continue to grow and become a prize winning pig.
Prior Knowledge: When I was little I used to suck the nectar from purple clovers. I always remember laying in the grass by my house and eating them with my brothers and sisters. I truly can relate to this chapter.
Chapter 8: Robert is awoken in the middle of the night by a thunder storm. He hears a women downstairs talking to his mother about digging something up. He strains to listen but only gets pieces of the conversation. Then his father comes in and calls for him to get dressed and get Solomon ready. After making sure Solomon is ready, Rob sees his dad come outside with a lantern and shotgun. They head towards town. When they arrive they head to the cemetery. They see a man digging up a grave. The man is Sebring Hillman. He is digging up the grave of his daughter, of who was born to a woman that Sebring had an affair with. Sebring plans to bring her back to Shaker land and bury her. After hearing the situation Haven and Robert help him, and bring him back to their home. They invite him in and they all have cups of tea. Robert heads for bed and hears Mr. Hillman say "Let's go home, May."
Clarify: Sebring had an affair with a non-Shaker woman. His daughter born to that woman died. She was buried next to her mother. Sebring went to dig up his daughters grave and bring it back to his Shaker land.
Questions: Why does he want to bring his daughter's grave back? Did Haven know what was happening the whole time? Does Robert really understand? Will the townspeople get mad at Sebring?
Predictions: The townspeople will become mad at Sebring for digging up graves. Haven will have to defend him. One may be sent to jail.
Prior Knowledge: Many nights during the summer I have been awaken by thunder storms. Also, I remember I used to try to secretly listen to my parents talking about Christmas presents.
Chapter 9: Robert hears his Aunt Carrie and mother talking about their neighbor Widow Bascom. Rumors went around that Widow Bascom slept with Ira Long, her hired hand. This makes Aunt Carrie mad and she says it is a terrible Sin. Robert's mother on the other hand does not care at all. She thinks it is good for Widow Bascom. Robert then starts to recall when he had talked to Widow Bascom. Once he and his buddy were running through her strawberry patch and she whooped them both with a broom. The last time he saw her was just a few days ago, she asked him to help with some pots of plants. He did so and she invited him to have some cookies. Then out came Ira Long, he was a huge man. Robert and them talked about how he had helped Apron with her calves and Pinky. They chatted how Mr. Tanner was going to take them to the fair. Then Robert left. Haven came up to Robert and asked him if he wanted to go to the fair to show off Pinky. Widow Bascom had told Mr. Tanner how bad Robert wanted to go so he said he would bring Robert. Haven only let him go if he put Mr. Tanner's needs over his own and finished his chores. Robert had never been so happy in his life, he slept with Pinky that night.
Clarify: Widow Bascom did sleep with Ira Long. She is a happy woman now, unlike how she used to be. Mr. Tanner needs help showing his calves and decides to invite Robert. Robert can show his pig off. Robert is going to go to the fair.
Questions: Why does it matter if Widow Basom slept with Ira Long? Why does Aunt Carrie care so much? Will Robert get to show off Pinky? Will Pinky win a blue ribbon?
Predictions: Pinky will win a blue ribbon from the fair. Robert will continue to go back to the fair each year.
Prior Knowledge: The talk about the fair and pigs reminds me of Charlotte's Web.
Chapter 10: The day has finally come, Robert is getting ready to set off for Rutland. His father yokes Solomon and his mom packs his lunch. Aunt Carrie also sneaks him 10 cents for a merry-go-round ride. Robert sits between Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Tanner on the way up to Rutland. When they arrive Bess Tanner talks about going to a restroom and for Rob to watch out for perverts. Robert thinks shes going to take a rest, and that perverts are like a clarinet, and he really wants to see one. They then go take Pinky, Bob, and Bib to the pens and get them ready to show. Robert gets to show Bob and Bib and everybody claps for them and marvels at their beauty. As soon as he finishes, Bess comes and says they are about to show the pigs. So, Mr. Tanner and Rob go to get Pinky but had rolled in poop. Robert has to go find soap, and he spends his ten cents to pay for the soap he takes from some guy. They was Pinky and Rob goes out to show her. Robert is feeling lightheaded and while walking with Pinky bends over and pukes. When he regains consciousness he sees that Pinky had won a blue ribbon for "best behaved pig."
Clarify: Did Bob and Bib win a ribbon? Is his father happy Robert went to Rutland?
Questions: How many ribbons are awarded? Will Robert go again next time? Will his dad be proud of him?
Predictions: Haven will be proud of Robert but tell him not to talk about it. Robert will go and tell Widow Bascom what happened.
Prior Knowledge: Thinking about the fair reminds me of when I went to the Allegan County Fair. Also, the cows remind me of my aunt's cows and how I used to love to go and mess with them.
Chapter 11: Robert gets home really late from Rutland. He does not remember the ride back, he was asleep most the time. The first thing he says is that Pinky won a blue ribbon. They all stay up and eat blackberry pie, and he explains all that happen while he was away. Haven has done all of his chores for him. In the night he hears a weird noise but is so tired he just forgets about it. He comes to find out the next day that a weasel had gotten into the hen coop. He tells Haven and Mrs. Bascom's hired man, Ira Long, has a terrier. They bring her over and try to weasel the dog. The dog kills the weasel but is dying and hurting bad, so they decided to end her misery. They all swear to never weasel another dog again. Robert buries Hussy (the dog).
Clarify: People would weasel a dog so that whenever the dog smelled a weasel it would chase it away. They will never weasel another dog.
Questions: Why did they think Hussy could survive? Why did they do it? Is Ira Long mad at Mr. Tanner?
Predictions: The pig is going to die much like Hussy. Ira Long will be mad at the Tanners for a long time.
Prior Knowledge: I have never heard of weaseling a dog before but I've watched a video of dog fighting and it is horrendous.
Chapter 12: Pinky arrives home from the fair. Robert shows the ribbon off, then pins it to his wall. Robert talks about how Pinky is the greatest pig and is happy she will never be butchered. Haven tells Robert that she should have gone into heat weeks ago. Robert starts to wonder if she is going to not be able to have babies. Haven explains that is likely, and that Aunt Carrie can't have babies either. Rob's mom tells him to come inside and get the 22 gauge. He takes the gun and hunts a squirrel. He kills it and gives the nutmeat to his mom and throws the rest of the squirrel to the chickens. Rob and his dad talk about the apple harvest and how Robert did it slightly wrong. Then Haven talks about how Mr. Tanner is a better farmer, and that he is dying. Haven tells Rob he needs to become a man and take care of the family and the farm. Also, how Rob needs to become more than a farmer and use his schooling. Rob's father leaves him and Robert stays up and stares at the fire.
Clarify: Robert's father is dying. Pinky can not have piglets. Robert will have to take care of the farm.
Questions: Does anybody else know of Haven's illness? WIll Robert tell his mother? Will Pinky be able to have babies?
Predictions: Pinky will be able to have babies and will breed well. Haven will die in the coming chapters.
Prior Knowledge: One of my mom's friend can not have children, and it is one of the saddest things to think about.
Chapter 13: November rolls by and Pinky still has not gone through heat. So, Robert tells Mr. Tanner. Mr. Tanner explains that sometimes pigs have to be courted by the right boar. He brings over his prize boar Samson. Samson and Pinky do not get along and Pinky bites Samson's ear off. Samson mounts Pinky and starts to have intercourse. Mr. Tanner says that he charges a "stud fee" meaning he gets two of the liter or $50. They chat about school and how Rob does not have an A in English. Also, how Robert can expect a lot of money from the piglets. Robert believes it is against Shaker ways to think about money. Then Pinky squeals and bleeds Robert wants to stop the act all together. Mr. Tanner ensures him everything is all right and that next time Pinky will be ready.
Clarify: Samson rapes Pinky. Pinky was not and is not ready to breed. Pinky is definitely barren. Mr. Tanner is a baptist.
Questions: Why is it against Shaker ways to think of a lot of money? Does Robert regret bringing Samson over? Will Pinky not be able to produce piglets?
Predictions: Pinky will not be able to have piglets. Robert will have to kill Pinky.
Prior Knowledge: Robert explaining that in his religion it is wrong to think of money like that, reminds me of my mother telling me not to dwell on things I want.
Chapter 14: It is December and food is becoming hard to get. The apple crop is bad. Haven would go out every morning and try to shoot a deer but never had any luck. All of his neighbors had shot one, but he had a shotgun and had to get really close to get a good shot. He becomes so sick that he must sleep in the barn. Samson has bred with Pinky but she still is barren. One night Haven calls Robert and tells him "it's time." Robert does not ask what, he knows. They go out and sharpen the tools. Robert holds down Pinky, Haven then beats her with a metal bar. Then he cuts her throat, guts her, and puts her into the boiling pot of water. Robert cries and for a minute hates his father. Haven explains it is part of growing up, Robert understands and kisses his dad's hand. For the first time Robert sees his father cry.
Clarify: They had to kill Pinky to ensure survival. His father is getting worse and worse.
Questions: Will Robert be able to eat Pinky? Will Haven die? Will the pork be enough to last the winter?
Predictions: Haven will soon die. Robert will have to take care of the family and run the farm.
Prior Knowledge: We had to put our dog RJ down and I was really sad, but my father told me it was for the best. It was hard to understand at first but eventually I understand, and that experience reminds me of the death of Pinky.
Chapter 15: Robert awakes to find that his father has not come inside yet. He walks out to the barn to find his fathers body. He is dead laying in the barn. Robert goes in and tells his mother and aunt. He tells them he is going to go tell the neighbors. Robert does all of the chores and digs a grave for his father. Once everyone arrives he gives a small speech about his dad. He then watches them cover his father's grave. After everyone leaves Robert puts back on his work clothes and begins to tend to the farm. He is only 13, but it is now his responsibility to take care of the family and farm. Life is hard.
Clarify: Haven finally passed away. Robert has to take care of the farm all by himself. Robert is still a kid.
Questions: Will anyone help Robert with the farm? Will he be able to run the farm?
Predictions: Robert will continue to run the farm. Mr. Tanner and Ira Long will help Rob with the farm. Robert will become a teacher.
Prior Knowledge: Seeing Robert's father die and Rob have to take responsibility reminds of when my grandpa died. I can not imagine how my father felt at that moment, and when he had to talk at his own father's grave.