White, E. B. Charlotte's Web. New York : Harper, 1952.
Plot: The title reveals a classic story of growing up, friendship, and heroism through the tale of a spider and a pig. After leading a happy life with a farm girl named Fern, Wilbur the pig finds himself sold to a nearby farmer. Eventually, a spider named Charlotte living in the barn discovers Wilbur, and comforts him when he misses his old life. The two become inseparable. However, Wilbur, as a barnyard pig, will eventually be slaughtered. Charlotte promises to save him, and accomplishes her mission through ingenuity and good writing. She engraves praises of Wilbur in her web, convincing the world he is a great as she thinks he is.
Genre: Animals, Growing Up, Fantasy
Reading Level: Grades 4-9
Similar Titles: Whittington, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Stewart Little
Personal Thoughts: Many consider the story a classic for good reasons. The characters act in a natural, believable manner while the timing and diction allude to a long-gone era. However, the title contains a surprising amount of depth. Scientific and agricultural facts slip seamlessly into the story. The concepts of belief, miracles, wonder, friendship, and heroism find ample description within the title without becoming preachy or trite. The choice of main characters, a pig and a spider, also add to the tale's impact. Neither are considered very important, beautiful, or valuable in their own right, but their compassion for each other draws the reader in and makes them appreciate normally loathed creatures. Overall, the title provides a pleasant, if bittersweet, read.
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