45 pages 1 hour read

Alan Armstrong

Whittington

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Whittington by Alan Armstrong interweaves three concurrent stories: Whittington, a tomcat seeking a new home at Bernie’s barn; the legend of Dick Whittington, a historical figure who rose to prominence through perseverance; and Ben, Bernie’s grandson, overcoming the challenges of learning to read with dyslexia. The novel explores themes of perseverance, community support, and the power of storytelling.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Whittington by Alan Armstrong is widely praised for its engaging storytelling, rich historical background, and heartwarming themes. The narrative blends animal and human tales seamlessly, appealing to both children and adults. Some critics note that the pacing can be slow at times, but overall, it's a captivating read that teaches valuable lessons about resilience and kindness.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Whittington?

Whittington by Alan Armstrong is ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy animal tales imbued with historical fiction. Fans of E. B. White's Charlotte’s Web and Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux will appreciate the blend of heartfelt storytelling and charming animal characters in Armstrong’s narrative.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

740L

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Life/Time: The Past

Relationships: Friendship

Genre

Children's Literature

Historical Fiction

Fantasy

Topics

Animals