Preacher's Boy

by Katherine Paterson

Robbie is the son of a preacher in small-town America in 1899. People are saying that the world's going to end at the turn of the century, so Robbie decides that he'd better make the most of his life and have as much fun as possible - while he still can! But his outrageous behaviour does little to improve people's opinions of him, or his father. BLKatherine Paterson is an internationally acclaimed author who has won the Newbery Medal (twice), the National Book Award for Children's Literature (USA) twice, and the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Middle Grade, Coming Of Age, Faith

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Katherine Womeldorf Paterson is an American writer best known for children's novels, including Bridge to Terabithia. For four different books published 1975–1980, she won two Newbery Medals and two National Book Awards. She is one of four people to win the two major international awards; for "lasting contribution to children's literature" she won the biennial Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in 1998 and for her career contribution to "children's and young adult literature in the broadest sense" she won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from the Swedish Arts Council in 2006, the biggest monetary prize in children's literature. Also for her body of work she was awarded the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature in 2007 and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal from the American Library Association in 2013. She was the second US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, serving 2010 and 2011.

Reviews

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the turn of the twentieth century, and Robbie, son of a preacher, is tired of trying to please God. Moreover, although Robbie's father is kind and gentle, it's not that easy to do what he wants, either. So when a fire-and-brimstone minister suggests that the world may be ending soon, Robbie decides that whatever time is left will be more fun without God in the equation. Like Huckleberry Finn Robbie is willing to take his chances with eternity for the opportunity to do what he wants. But before long, Robbie has put his mentally disabled brother in danger, almost choked another boy to death in a fury, and masterminded a harebrained kidnapping hoax that might result in a man's execution.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Katherine Paterson's use of the English language to encompass so much in so few words! This book contains rich descriptions which make you feel you're a part of the 1800s right alongside Robbie. Wonderful character development. I especially love how the main character grows throughout the story. A fabulous read from one of my favorite authors.

[Bodie Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much to it.

[Isobel Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1999, this book was on the Year 6 shelf at school and I had no idea what it was about. It is set in 1899, America and the main character is the son of the Congregational Minister. We hear about Robbie's family and what he, in his 11 year old head, thinks and feels about the world. I am not sure it would appeal to many UKS2 children these days - it is talking about a time and a place that is so unfamiliar to them - but I enjoyed it.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place in 1898 in Vermont. Ten-year-old Robbie Hewitt is the rambunctious, hot tempered, free-thinking son of the local pastor. After a "hell fire and brimstone" type evangelist comes to his dad's church and spouts a message of condemnation and judgement to the congregation, Robbie decides he doesn't believe in God anymore. He's going to become an "apeist." Robbie gets himself into trouble throughout the book, runs away, and stays with a homeless man and daughter. The daughter (Violet) is Robbie's age. Robbie feels sorry for them and begins to try to help them find food and make ends meet. The father is addicted to alcohol. When Violet pours out her dad's alcohol, he gets angry and breaks into the drugstore to steal more elixir (with high alcohol content). Robbie and Violet try to stop him, and he hits Robbie, splitting his skull. Robbie is taken home, the homeless man charged with attempted murder and kidnapping, and scheduled to be hanged. Robbie goes to his father and the judge and confesses all the wrongs he's done, makes a plea for the life of the homeless man, and makes things right with God.

I enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction. There were a lot of different concepts touched on in this book, which would be good for 4th grade to middle school, even high school.

I would use this book as a reader's workshop book discussion. There are so many different topics this book touches on - kindness, anger, theft, rebellion, alcoholism, dishonesty, guilt, homelessness...the list just goes on and on. This book is appropriate for 4th grade on up.

[Molly Grimmius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Katherine Paterson. Her quiet yet full of big, true emotions of young adults are so beautiful written. Taking place at the turn of the 20th century... Robbie is a preacher’s son and questioning everything including his faith.
It reminded me of huck Finn in that the he was trying to do the right thing but just kind of came out sideways sometimes. Realm liked the essence of the prodigal son in there and what it was like to live a sibling that had special needs. It all felt real which is what I always appreciate about her!

[Linda Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

The library copy I read has a cover illustration by the great Barry Moser, which is what drew me to it. I always love me a redhead! Hadn't read a Katherine Paterson in ages, now I have to look up others I've missed. That said, of course I thought the writing was superb and the characters very well-drawn. And how easily the late 20th century reader could identify with the concern about the turn of the century.... the 1899 version of Y2K!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book, but found it interesting that it used to be if you believed that we evolved from apes your where frowned on, too bad that's changed.

The boy in the story (Robbie) is 10 ys. old, but, it's a good book for any age.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about how certian people have thier share problems. That their faith in God helps them deal with the issues that faces these people on a daily basis. Pick up the book yourself and enjoy the story.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy is determined to have as much fun and play as many pranks as he can, although his father is the preacher in the 1930s. After his last trick, a man is on trial for his life and he has to decide to tell the truth or let him go to jail.

[Dee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Plus 4 hours 28 min. Narrated by Johnny Heller (A)

This is another engaging book by Katherine Paterson! The author manages to convince us through the eyes of a ten-year old boy Robbie Hewitt, who is the son of a preacher and to the unjustly high standards to which he is held. If you have ever been a part of a church where the pastor has a son, you will be able to relate to the character's predicament. Set in Vermont 1899, you will also see that the people of the community were similarly affected by the turn-of-the century as in Y2K. I saw a few reviews that called this book "cute"; however, I found it "clever."

I only discovered Katherine Paterson's in 2023. I must have been "under a rock" to have been out of touch with books for children and young people during the years her books were winning so many awards. More probably, I was at a time in my personal life when I was first able to have leisure time to devote to reading books personal enjoyment.

Paterson challenges a child's vocabulary and allows their own minds to relate to the characters. There are situations, as in this particular book, where Robbie has to deal with vying for attention from parents who have multiple children, one of whom is mentally challenged, where he is being bullied, where he almost drowns a boy out of anger and humiliation. Robbie is learning how to cope with emotions that in his world break all ten commandments. Yet, he can be sympathetic to the plight of a hungry, homeless girl of an alcoholic vagabond who takes over the tumbled down house he had claimed for himself and a friend. He even seeks to shield Violet despite her cold rebuffs, which result in personal harm.. Paterson's appeal is her use of humor to lighten some tense scenes.

[Kendra Andrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This right here is Katherine Paterson's best book in my eyes! Why in the world did it not get a Newbery Medal?

I loved every page. I smiled and laughed often — it's by far the funniest book of hers that I've read, I teared up at the end (the most perfect ending), I rooted for the beloved and memorable characters, I wrestled with the same theological and religious dynamics, I received the hope it gave about the worth of the world and the beauty of a pure and good faith of grace and non-violence, truth-telling and love of neighbor. This historical novel is a turn-of-the-20th-century set in small-town Vermont (first published in 1999 as we looked at the same scary predictions and warnings of the coming century). This is the story of Robbie, who, in the finest of Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer traditions, finds himself at odds with the role his family, church, and society put on him. Like his literary predecessors, Robbie must face a near impossible situation which leads to an ultimate maturing and a prodigal return to "father and true religion." What a commentary on American religion, the progress of civilization, family and community, personal integrity, coming of age, being a preacher's kid, and walking in the footsteps of another. This book is ripe for lots of deep conversation.

READ IT!

[Mamiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot - Robbie is sincere, but is also funny. I loved how it was a story of a boy growing up, his struggle with jealousy toward his disabled brother (and the "special" affection Robbie thought his brother gets from his parents), his friendship, and love toward his family. I do know that the author is Christian and that her father was a missionary in China, and you can see the affection the author feels toward Christianity throughout this book, but she's not pushy or self-righteous about Christianity, which I really like and appreciate. You couldn't help but come to like this boy who's complex - smart but dumb at the same time; feeling and unfeeling at the same time; cruel and generous at the same time. I guess the reason why this is an interesting book is because the protagonist was written to be a complex young person with both good and not-so-good qualities, yet written with affection by the author. I enjoyed the historical setup as well.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually meant for adults, in my opinion. A lot of the humor is something an adult is more likely to understand than a child or teenager, and the main character makes a lot of gendered comments that an adult can easily understand are misguided and a product of his time, but that a child might take at face value. Similarly, the codependent, abused daughter of the drunk tramp makes all sorts of excuses and incorrectly assigns blame elsewhere, which is something an adult can understand her doing but a child wouldn’t necessarily see the errors. The book is a fun read if you’re an adult. I don’t remember what I thought of it when I was a kid myself.

One anachronistic mistake: the Dad says they’d better “step on it” to get somewhere in a hurry, yet they’ve never been in an automobile before (and have only glimpsed one once), so stepping on the gas wouldn’t be a metaphor they would use.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook narrator, Jonny Heller, gave this a very Tom Sawyery/Huck Finn vibe : I enjoyed it.
Our family read aloud quite a few of Katherine Paterson's other books, back in the day, but we missed getting to this one.

I started out wondering where the author was taking us with Robbie's story, he ‘loses’ his belief in God, his minister father seems to embracing Darwin’s theory that we’re from monkeys. Robbie belief in God is rekindled and solidified, and his father is a scholarly man who is not prepared to dismiss theory’s out of hand without reading about them himself.
I did a quick Goodreads check to see if I would want to stuck with this middle grade story, I'm so pleased I did as the denouement Paterson crafted was a satisfying, feel good, ending.

The glimpses into the ministering family's home life will be familiar to those that are in ministry or grew up in a minister's home.

[Cala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming of age story set in 1898 in Vermont. A 10 yo boy "renounces" God so he can do whatever he wants. He nearly gets a man hung because of his lies, but at the last minute does the right thing. And "rediscovers" his faith. Also of note, his older brother is a special needs child whom he learns much from.

I enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to my children, especially my son, reading it when he's a bit older. It's recommended for ages 10+.

[Angela Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the vain of Mark Twain, this was a witty look at growing up at the turn of the century (20th century that is) and wrestling with your own demons. Paterson’s style kept me smiling the whole time, and I easily empathized with the main character (especially since I am a PK myself!).

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute read. Really inspired by Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn by Mark Twain. Not exciting but I always appreciate southern books and all the work that goes into writing out twang and a kid-friendly plot.

[Marisa Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am slowly reading through Katherine Paterson’s lesser known novels. Read this along side my sister. A great coming of age boo about a son of a preacher. I love all the real feelings he has about grappling with God, his special needs brother and helping those around you. A great quick read.

[Avonlea Gal · Rating 5 out of 5]

very mark twain. i love this book, robbie’s a very darling character. his dad is an amazing character, his love for Elliott and crying over him is so sweet! there’s so many sweet people in this book, very much gives me small town, the bad good and the ugly.

[Katie Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Story of a young boy who feels that he cannot truly be who he is because he is the son of a preacher. He eventually learns to be himself despite the opinions of others, though.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to other stories- parts dragged on a little. But enjoyable.

[Sarah Thornton]

Quaint but heavy, as expected fr the author of Bridge to 'just run my entire soul through the shredder' Terrebithia.

[the_storied_life (Joyce Santiago) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Bethany Radcliffe]

Children’s writing as only Katherine Paterson can do it. Almost as good as Jacob Have I Loved.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book. My mother gave it to me, saying it reminded my father of me, who he called his "prodigal son." I tried to read more into it, but it was a great story.

[Hope Alden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this text but for some reason I couldn’t stay focused enough to listen fully. It has a good message and I think Robbie is a relatable character.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author channeled Mark Twain, especially on audio version. Great.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a rule of thumb when it comes to the books of Katherine Paterson: whenever a new one is released, I automatically consider it a frontrunner for that year's Newbery awards. In addition to being one of only five authors (along with Joseph Krumgold, Elizabeth George Speare, E.L. Konigsburg and Lois Lowry) to ever win two Newbery Medals, and coming within a hair's breadth of becoming the only author to win consecutive Newbery Medals when The Great Gilly Hopkins was chosen as the only Newbery Honor book for 1979, Katherine Paterson always produces novels of tremendous quality, each and every one of them worth a second look by the ALA committee. With Preacher's Boy, published one hundred years after its 1899 setting, Katherine Paterson had a legitimate shot at winning the first Newbery Medal of the twenty-first century (overlooking the fact that the century didn't truly begin until 2001), and I wasn't going to miss reading it.

Herself the wife of a pastor, Katherine Paterson has some personal insight into Robbie Hewitt's situation, growing up the son of the town preacher in little Leonardstown, Vermont, of 1899. At age ten, Robbie is a normal, rambunctious boy, but the townsfolk have some trouble understanding that. There's an unspoken presupposition among most of them that Robbie should be nigh upon perfect in the behavior department, regularly displaying his saintly virtues as any self-respecting son of a man of God should. Since Robbie doesn't fit the parameters of this stereotype very well, his father's parishioners tend to look down on him most of the time, but their respect for his father makes them keep their unflattering opinions to themselves.

When the former preacher at his father's church returns as a guest speaker, the man's fiery brand of pastoral eloquence upsets Robbie, causing him to call into question everything that he has come to believe in through his father's teaching. If a bit of mischief now and then is enough to qualify Robbie for the fires of Hell, then what good is there in even trying to do what's right? Maybe, he figures, he ought to find his own set of beliefs about God, including on the subject of whether or not he really exists.

Robbie is in store for a few surprises, including some about the core convictions that his father actually holds on matters of God and personal faith, but he's not going to have to do all of the deep thinking on his own. By luck, Robbie becomes entangled in a riskier adventure than any he's ever faced before, and this time his mischief leads to more than just a fun time. While he's still figuring out what he truly believes, Robbie will be called upon to become the unlikeliest of "heroes"; if, ultimately, he can right his ship in time to make the correct decision.

There seems to be something about the year 1899 that makes for potentially great story ideas. There was The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, Our Only May Amelia and of course this book, as well as a number of others, I'm sure. At its best, Preacher's Boy has a soft wistfulness behind its story, a sort of muted sadness at the leaving behind of the nineteenth century. The world didn't change immediately after the calendar flipped, of course, but we were emerging from a much simpler and more innocent century into one of greater confusion than ever before, and there's really no way to ever completely regain what was lost in the translation. Even though Robbie Hewitt and his family would probably never see the space program, or the internet, or the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, they knew that the world around them was changing; and, even as it undoubtedly improved in many respects, there was something irreplaceable being given up in return. On the cusp of 1900 A.D., Robbie and his father look out into that unfilled expanse of one hundred years floating mysteriously before them and humbly acknowledge that the next hundred-year barrier will surely bring about even greater change, and the world as they knew and loved it will continue to fade away. I believe this is the reason behind the poignancy that comes across from time to time during Preacher's Boy.

I would definitely give two and a half stars to this book. There may be other novels among the many written by Katherine Paterson that I would name as favorites before Preacher's Boy came to mind, but I did like this book, and it's certainly a keeper. I wonder if, as Jennifer L. Holm did for Our Only May Amelia, Katherine Paterson would ever consider penning a sequel...

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is the end near?! That's the question Robbie Hewitt faces in Katherine Paterson's Preacher's Boy. The year is 1899. The novel follows the troubles of one mischievous boy, our narrator, Robbie. Well, what can one say about him? If you've read Tom Sawyer, you know EXACTLY what kind of boy he is. He's always getting IN and OUT of trouble. Since it seems impossible to stay mad at him, I suppose, you could call him charming too. How much trouble can a boy get into in one year?! Quite a bit.

Robbie likes pranks, and this book tells about several of them. Readers know what to expect from Robbie from the very start: "On Decoration Day, while everyone else in town was at the cemetery decorating the graves of our Glorious War Dead, Willie Beaner and me, Robert Burns Hewitt, took Mabel Cramm's bloomers and run them up the flagpole in front of the town hall. That was the beginning of all my troubles. It wasn't that we got caught. In fact, I've often thought since that would have been the best thing in the world."

One of the stories in this novel is that Robbie becomes worried about "the end of the world." He isn't worried about where he'll end up. He's not sure there is a heaven or a hell. But. He is worried about missing out on LIFE. He makes a list of ALL the things he wants to do BEFORE THE END. It's a dreamer's list, in many ways, but that is part of the charm. For example, he knows it would be RIDICULOUS to write down OWN AN AUTOMOBILE. But he can't stop himself from writing down RIDING IN AN AUTOMOBILE.

This one has some interesting characters. I wouldn't ever say this one lacks plot, and by "plot" I mean ACTION. But to me the charm of this one is in the characters themselves. I liked Robbie. I liked seeing Robbie struggle. I liked seeing tension in his relationship with Elliot, his older brother with special needs. Robbie LOVES his brother, but, he doesn't always LIKE him. He struggles with his place in the family. It isn't just that his father is the preacher and EVERYONE in town watches him and judges him. It is that he feels out of sorts in his family. He feels Elliot gets all the attention, all the love and support. I thought most of Robbie's family was well-drawn. I liked getting to know Robbie, his dad, and Elliot. (I can't say that his mother and sisters came into the story much.) Robbie was also challenged a bit when he met a strange-but-bossy girl with problems of her own.

I liked the setting. I liked the writing. I liked the characters. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this historical coming-of-age novel.