Opening Day
In OPENING DAY, by Susan Bartlett, we learn that Sam’s best friend Eric loves to hunt. His whole family hunts–even his mom and grandma! But Sam’s mom is a vegetarian, and his dad prefers to buy his meat at the supermarket. Sam wants to make up his own mind, and with his parent’s support he works hard to get his hunting license so he can join Eric and his dad for opening day. Although he feels great to be one of the crowd at the opening-day breakfast, once he sees a deer in the woods, he wonders if he really wants to shoot an animal. And if he decides hunting is not for him, will Eric still be his friend?
Available wherever books are sold.
WHY READ THIS BOOK?
A boy tries deer hunting with his best friend and makes a decision he hopes will not jeopardize his friendship. An evenhanded view of the pros and cons of hunting which celebrates friendship above all.
Topics:
Hunting, decision-making.
Problems:
Difficult-to-make decisions that conflict with a friend’s decisions. Different opinions on hunting.
Weight 1 lbs Dimensions 9 x 10.00 x 1.016 in Author Susan Bartlett
Format Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88448-288-8
Illustrator Luanne Wrenn
Pages 32
“…tackles issue of the kill without taking sides…about friendship surviving a difference in value systems, about what the outdoor experience offers our youth..” -Central Maine Newspapers, May 16, 2007
“…opportunity to consider the questions of killing-and eating-with open-minded respect…illustrations…lovingly portray…quiet dark of the north woods…drama of its wildlife.” -Bangor Daily News, December 10, 2007
“…first book for elementary school children about deer hunting…about being in the woods, respecting nature, learning how to read deer signs…theme of friendship…” -Rutland Herald, October 14, 2007
“…this title is one of few quality children’s books featuring an evenhanded portrayal of a contemporary young hunter.” -Book Links, March 2008
Susan Bartlett has edited books for both children and adults and taught Writing Books for Children for many years at the University of Vermont. She is the author of Seal Island School and The Seal Island Seven, both published by Viking.
Luanne Wrenn is an arts educator who enjoys painting in oil and watercolor and is a commissioned portrait and mural artist, as well as an illustrator. Luanne’s friends and neighbors in Wilton, Maine, posed for this book’s illustrations.
