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Tuck Everlasting

Submitted by admin on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 9:45am
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Author: Natalie Babbitt
Publisher: Square Fish (2007)
Binding: Paperback, 160 pages

Eternal life is the subject of this story. Full of symbolism, the book tells of a family who inadvertently gained eternal life by drinking magical water. When 10-year-old Winnie discovers the secret, this family shares the blessings and curses of this fate with her as it tries to protect her.

Aside from prompting a consideration of whether this fate is a desirable one or not, the story also shows the coming of age of this girl, always sheltered by her family, as she learns about the world beyond her safely-controlled yard. The story is set in the past, so the coming of age ideas are more benevolent than one often finds in novels with more modern settings.

Some might consider the scene in which Mae hits the man with the gun to be a too violent, especially as he later dies.

Best Audience: 
Boys and Girls ages 8-13
Parts that might raise objections: 
one scene in which an unethical man is bashed over the head and later dies
Ideas you will want to discuss: 
eternal life, death, moving beyond the ideas in one’s own family
Discussion Questions: 

Would you drink the water? Why or why not?

Do you think having eternal life is a blessing or a curse? Why?

Do you think the Tucks made the most of their lives?

If you did have eternal life as the Tucks did, what sorts of things would you do?

Your rating: None
Tags:
  • Boys & Girls
  • Death
  • Eternal Life
  • Age 8
  • Age 9
  • Age 10
  • Age 11
  • Age 12
  • Age 13

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