This is the first book in a great historical series.
The
year is 1848, and the place is west of Missouri. Francis Alphonse
Tucket and his family are a part of a wagon train heading west to
Oregon. It's Francis' 14th birthday and to his surprise and delight he
receives not only a cake --it's near impossible to bake on the trail --
but also a 'sweet' rifle, just right for a boy.
Unfortunately, that's the last good thing that happens to Francis for some time, because while he is out practice shooting, he is taken captive by Pawnees.
What follows is the adventure of a lifetime as Francis escapes slavery, hitching up with Mr. Grimes, a one-armed trapper. The old man teaches him much, but in the end Tucket finds he has to take his own path to becoming a man.
Unfortunately, that's the last good thing that happens to Francis for some time, because while he is out practice shooting, he is taken captive by Pawnees.
What follows is the adventure of a lifetime as Francis escapes slavery, hitching up with Mr. Grimes, a one-armed trapper. The old man teaches him much, but in the end Tucket finds he has to take his own path to becoming a man.
Talking Points:::
This
is a fantastic series for youngsters -- and really anyone who likes
KidLit. Like Paulsen's other books, it includes a fascinating mix of
history and survival tips. But unlike his series for Young Adults -- The Hatchet/Brian books-- this one's a 'lighter read' with less self-reflection and internal drama.
The entire 4th Grade of our school read these books, but my librarian friends tell me that they are just as popular with Middle-Schoolers-- particularly boys.
Those who are concerned with how Native Americans are handled should know that Paulsen is very even handed. Individuals might be bad, but not everyone in a particular culture.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Mr. Tucket". There was lots of action and, of course, Paulsen has done his research and has included some information about trappers and how captives were treated by western Indians. It's enough for younger readers to get the flavor of the times without going into some of the more horrendous experiences.
The entire 4th Grade of our school read these books, but my librarian friends tell me that they are just as popular with Middle-Schoolers-- particularly boys.
Those who are concerned with how Native Americans are handled should know that Paulsen is very even handed. Individuals might be bad, but not everyone in a particular culture.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Mr. Tucket". There was lots of action and, of course, Paulsen has done his research and has included some information about trappers and how captives were treated by western Indians. It's enough for younger readers to get the flavor of the times without going into some of the more horrendous experiences.
Finally, this is a series worthy of investing in for the home shelves. Sooo, I highly suggest you get Tucket's Travels which contains the entire 5-books.
Pam TSomewhere in the X-burbs
MR. TUCKET
Word Count: 29,783
Page Count: 192
Accelerated Reading Level: 5.0 / points: 4.0
AR quiz: 11481
Lexile: 830L
--sample pages available
Related Posts:::
- Our Master Gary Paulsen list
- Call Me Francis Tucket by Gary Paulsen (Book 2 - Tucket Series)
- Tucket's Ride by Gary Paulsen (Book 3 - Tucket Series)
- Tucket's Gold by Gary Paulsen (Book 4 - Tucket Series)
- Tucket's Home by Gary Paulsen (Book 5 - Tucket Series)
- Tucket's Travels by Gary Paulsen (Books 1 thru 5 in a collection - Tucket Series)
- Review of Woods Runner audiobook
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- See our post on the 2 new Gary Paulsen books that are coming out in 2011
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