Charlotte's Web

Title: Charlotte's Web
Author: E.B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Genre: Fantasy
Awards: Newbery Honor (1953)
Grade Level: 2 - 5

Fern Arable saved a runt piglet, which she named Wilbur, from being slaughter and raised him. He eventually had to be sold to Fern's uncle, Mr. Zuckerman. Even though Fern visited him often and there were other animals in the barn, Wilbur felt lonely. He befriended a spider named Charlotte and learned more about life through her. Distraught after learning that he could be eaten during Christmastime, Wilbur was reassured by Charlotte that she would save him. Charlotte had weaved the words "Some Pig" into her web and word spread about this miracle. She later wrote "terrific" and "radiant" and Wilbur became known as Zuckerman's Famous Pig. Wilbur went to the County Fair with Charlotte where she wrote her final message "humble" and won a special award. Charlotte was dying and became too unwell to return home so she asked Wilbur to take care of her egg sac. Back at the farm, Wilbur guarded Charlotte's egg sac. When the babies finally hatched, most of them left with the wind, but a few stayed. While they did not replace Charlotte's place as his true friend, generations of Charlotte's descendants kept him company and filled him with happiness. A classic children's book with many adaptations, it is a coming-of-age story for both Fern and Wilbur. Fern grew up and did not spend her days with the animals anymore while Wilbur learned that death eventually happened. Life, death, and friendship were big themes in the book. After reading the book, the class could watch one of the movie adaptations. Students can make yarn webs with a characteristic that describes themselves or others.


 

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