Reading Metrics
Description
When Runtling hears about the farmer's plans for him and his pig family, he decides to escape and sets out to find freedom and a better home. Text includes some possibly disturbing imagery.
Quick Summary
If your kid likes animal stories with real stakes, Runtling's journey will grab them right away. This little pig catches wind of the farmer's dark plans for his family, so he takes off into the wild to find them a safe place to call home. It's got that perfect mix of adventure and tension that middle graders love think Charlotte's Web meets an actual escape story. Linda Moller writes with heart, so even though there's some pretty intense moments (the publisher's note about disturbing imagery is worth heeding), it never gets too heavy. Kids who enjoy survival stories or tales about animals fighting for their freedom will particularly connect with Runtling's determination. At around 16,000 words, it's a quick but satisfying read that doesn't talk down to its audience.