The Teacher's Funeral

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck (juvenile fiction)

Summary: Russell Culver, a fifteen year old boy growing up in the midwest at the turn of the century, has his world turned upside down when his recently deceased teacher is replaced by his older sister.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Comments: Peck is best known for his Newberry honor book, A Long Way from Chicago, and Newberry winner, A Year Down Yonder. I loved both of those books, and this book didn't disappoint. I think it is a lot harder to find a book that a 10-year boy would like than a book a 10-year old girl would like, and this book definitely would appeal to the boys and girls alike. The main character, Russell, wants nothing to do with school, but dreams of taking off to the Dakotas and farming there. His experiences are hilarious and the supporting characters (Flopears and Little Britches, among others) are intriguing and fun. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading Peck's books to my own children when they are a little older.