Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web. ISBN 0-06-440055-8. E.B. White. 1952. Newberry Honor. Ages 9-12. Middle American Caucasian.

Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White, tells the story of a young pig, Wilbur, and the life lessons he learns on the farm. The beginning of this book shows a young girl, Fern, saving the runt of a litter of pigs, Wilbur, from being killed by her farmer father. She promises to take care of him until he grows too big to keep. At this point he leaves to live on another farm with many more animals. Wilbur soon discovers that these animals can speak to him. When Wilbur learns of his fate from the sheep, which is to be slaughtered, he becomes very distraught. A spider, Charlotte, empathizes and promises to save his life. She spins messages about Wilbur in her web that are read by the farmer. Believing that he is most definitely a special pig, the farmer does not kill Wilbur. Charlotte, however, comes to the end of her life. Wilbur returns the favor of saving his life by saving the lives of Charlottes offspring.

As a teacher, this book could be used to discuss the importance of friendship and caring for others. This is a simple message that often gets lost in our fast paced society. There are many interesting characters in the barn animals and scenes that could be acted out in a creative dramatic play with any class.