43 pages • 1 hour read
Richard PeckThe Teacher's Funeral
Fiction | Novel | Middle GradeA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Teacher’s Funeral by Richard Peck, 15-year-old Russell Culver is initially delighted when his strict teacher dies in August 1904, as he hopes it means the end of school. However, his joy turns to dismay when his sister Tansy is appointed the new teacher. Set in rural Indiana, the story humorously and heartwarmingly chronicles the Culver family's adventures and the community's response to the changing times, blending family memories and historical context.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Teacher's Funeral by Richard Peck is praised for its witty and engaging portrayal of early 20th-century rural life. Readers appreciate the humor and well-drawn characters, particularly the protagonist’s growth. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable. Overall, it’s a charming and nostalgic read but may not appeal to everyone. Peck, Richard. The Teacher's Funeral. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004.
Who Should Read The Teacher's Funeral?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with humor and heart, set in rural America, will relish The Teacher’s Funeral by Richard Peck. Comparable to those who love The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Holes, this novel appeals to middle schoolers and young adults who appreciate tales of youthful adventure and small-town life.
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