A Part of the Sky

This book was a fabulous addition to the original book, A Day No Pigs Would Die. The book deeply covers the character's emotions as Robert Peck moves into manhood. The book also deeply covers the increasing relationship between Rob and Becky Tate. A overall great book enjoyable for everyone of all ages.

From the author's dedication to his mother and aunt, "who worked a farm like men but stayed as soft as quilts" to the end when they lose their farm and have to start over, this book is filled with charm and honest emotion.After I read "A Day No Pigs Would Die" to my two children, they were clamoring for more about Robert and his family.This book is not didactic about values, but as you read the struggles and misfortunes Robert and his family face at the onset of the Great Depression, you will find those down-home, bedrock values in every chapter. GREAT family reading.I, as an adult, enjoyed it every bit as much as my two children did.Another series of books with the same "flavor" is Little Britches by Ralph Moody.

A Part of the Sky, a sequel of A Day No Pigs Would Die, is a very heart-touching story. Robert Peck, a 13 year old, was forced to end his childhood and grow up to take care of the farm when his father died. He had to sacrifice many days of school to deal with the farm and the mortgage on their farm at the bank. However, because of his determination to see his mother and aunt through this hard time and with the help of kind neighbors, the three of them survive the nigthmare of reality.

"A Part of the Sky" was a great sequel to "A Day No Pigs Would Die" - with some novels, the sequels aren't nearly as good as the originals, but I think that this one is even better!When 14-year-old Rob's father dies, he is left to care for his mother and aunt, and to run his family's small, struggling farm. Times are hard, but Rob is determined that he won't give the farm up; he plants crops, tries to find odd jobs, though they are low paying during the Depression, keeps in touch with his kind girlfriend, and he also tries to continue going to school.This was a great novel, on the realistic and yet inspiraional struggles of a poor Shaker boy. Recommended for anyone ages 12 and up wanting a good read, and definitely if you've read "A Day No Pigs Would Die".

R.N. Peck's sequel to A Day No Pigs Would Die is just as touching as ADNPWD. I highly reccommend it!