2006-07-02 18:34:18 · 6 answers · asked by countrygirl5994 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I am suppose that I have the right book...
In this brief novel set in 1855, Ben's father has been felled by palsey -- what we call today a stroke. Ben, nine years old and the youngest child, has been called home to Oregon Territory from the boarding school he's been attending. More gifted intellectually than his siblings and, perhaps, with a stronger sense of family, Ben quickly becomes the leader, dividing the labor as efficiently as possible. This leaves him with the care of his father.
First finding a way to communicate at least minimally, and desperately needing to re-establish contact with the dying man, Ben determines that, if they build a barn his father had planned, the man will recover. His sister, Nettie, anxious to marry, delays her plans to help with the barn and the three set about the nearly impossible task. The barn becomes a symbol for achievement, acceptance and love. It is also, quite obviously, the object of the boy's obsession which he questions himself, but only after the barn is completed.
2006-07-02 18:43:34 · answer #1 · answered by Angie R 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
After their father suffers a "fit of palsy," three motherless children try to keep their struggling farm going in 1855 Oregon. Although nine-year-old Benjamin is the youngest, he is the cleverest of the three, and also the one who truly believes that the man can recover. His sister Nettie wants to marry and start her own life, but agrees to help the family for as long as she can. Harrison is much bigger and stronger than his younger brother, but not quite as quick thinking. After Benjamin figures out a way to communicate with his father, he convinces the others that if they can build the barn that the man had been planning, he will somehow find a reason to live. The family relationships are well drawn, as the siblings react to each situation in their own way, though Benjamin's obsession with curing his father makes him a hard character to empathize with at times. Ultimately, the boy is forced to question his own additional motives for building the barn. While focusing mainly on his characters, Avi presents a vivid picture of the time and place, including fairly involved details about how the barn is constructed. This novel may not have the wide appeal of some of Avi's earlier titles, but it is a thought-provoking and engaging piece of historical fiction.
2006-07-03 21:35:25 · answer #2 · answered by rhutson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you gotta do is read the book, then write down what it's about.
150 words should be no problem.
Just do it!
Cheers!
2006-07-03 01:38:16 · answer #3 · answered by sal the dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, do your own work.
Read the book, first.
2006-07-03 12:19:21 · answer #4 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry ... not in the mood to do anyone else's homework
2006-07-03 01:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by icehoundxx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did u try reading it?
2006-07-03 01:38:12 · answer #6 · answered by Dont get Infected 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋