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.

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.

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.

Humorous / Nostalgic / Heartwarming / Bittersweet / Contemplative

Richard Peck

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Teacher's Funeral Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Kissing Summer Good-Bye”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Teacher's Funeral Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Part 1, Chapters 5-7

The Teacher's Funeral Part 1, Chapters 5-7

Part 2: “The Jailhouse of School”

Part 2, Chapters 8-10

The Teacher's Funeral Part 2, Chapters 8-10

Part 2, Chapters 11-13

The Teacher's Funeral Part 2, Chapters 11-13

Part 3: “The Fall of the Year”

Part 3, Chapters 14-17

The Teacher's Funeral Part 3, Chapters 14-17

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Character Analysis

The Teacher's Funeral Character Analysis

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Themes

The Teacher's Funeral Themes

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The Teacher's Funeral Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Teacher's Funeral Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Teacher's Funeral Essay Topics

The Teacher's Funeral

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