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Terpin
After telling a man a lie that leads to a disastrous event, Terpin Taft changes his ways for good by telling only the truth to everyone about everything and chooses not to worry about the troubles this may bring as he believes what he is doing is right and good. An ALA Notable Children's Book. Reprint.
- GenresFiction
112 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 20, 2019
Sometimes it doesn't work out well when you tell someone a falsehood, just so it will make them feel better. We have a tendency to do that both as younger beings and then as adults because speaking the actual truth could hurt too many feelings.
Terpin Taft (what a great fictional name) is a decent young high-schooler who hates to upset people. So he has a tendency to say things that aren't really facts. When an older man sits next to him on a train and laments his life's troubles, Terpin tells him a tale with the intention of alleviating that man's sadness. But false tales lead to an unseen tragedy. It forces Terpin to re-evaluate how he approaches life, as he learns responsibility and staying true to his own values.
This tale for children and middle grade readers is a shorter read and once the story takes off, I'll admit it was hard to put the book down. It's a simple enough lesson for all ages to understand but especially for impressionable youngsters who may end up being yes-people later on in life. I appreciated the main character's resolve and how it helped him to fashion a new life for himself. This is a straightforward book for a straightforward subject and it accomplishes its task.
Book Season = Year Round (noble citizens)
Terpin Taft (what a great fictional name) is a decent young high-schooler who hates to upset people. So he has a tendency to say things that aren't really facts. When an older man sits next to him on a train and laments his life's troubles, Terpin tells him a tale with the intention of alleviating that man's sadness. But false tales lead to an unseen tragedy. It forces Terpin to re-evaluate how he approaches life, as he learns responsibility and staying true to his own values.
This tale for children and middle grade readers is a shorter read and once the story takes off, I'll admit it was hard to put the book down. It's a simple enough lesson for all ages to understand but especially for impressionable youngsters who may end up being yes-people later on in life. I appreciated the main character's resolve and how it helped him to fashion a new life for himself. This is a straightforward book for a straightforward subject and it accomplishes its task.
Book Season = Year Round (noble citizens)
December 20, 2017
This book was lent to me by a friend while we were on a group vacation together with the recommendation that I read it because it’s interesting to read something where the main character steps into full self-honorment.
I enjoyed the book even though it was written as a book for a child around 10 to read.
There were things about some of the story lines that didn’t seem to flow great but the theme of the book was very interesting and caused some introspection.
This is a book that would be a great discussion for young kids about the ‘how-to’s’ of stepping into your personal power.
I don’t think the author had his main character handle it in the best way, which is part of the reason it makes such a great book for discussion.
There is a lot to be gleaned and learned from all of the characters actions in this book and the theme of the book itself.
Overall I will buy the book and have my son read it when I feel it’s time for this theme to be introduced and discussed.
I enjoyed the book even though it was written as a book for a child around 10 to read.
There were things about some of the story lines that didn’t seem to flow great but the theme of the book was very interesting and caused some introspection.
This is a book that would be a great discussion for young kids about the ‘how-to’s’ of stepping into your personal power.
I don’t think the author had his main character handle it in the best way, which is part of the reason it makes such a great book for discussion.
There is a lot to be gleaned and learned from all of the characters actions in this book and the theme of the book itself.
Overall I will buy the book and have my son read it when I feel it’s time for this theme to be introduced and discussed.
December 11, 2018
What a timely modern fable. This should be read by kids in high school today. It is the story of a high school boy who is such a "good guy" that he fails to tell the honest truth, until his mediocre honesty is replaced by stellar truthfulness (not "truthiness" as Colbert would say, but honest truth).
It is a story of the wisdom of the woods, strength gained by being true to oneself, the "it gets better" of not succumbing to peer pressure (e.g., football practice), and finding one's own path.
In an era of Trump and Kavanaugh, this tale is as timely and timeless as it gets!
It is a story of the wisdom of the woods, strength gained by being true to oneself, the "it gets better" of not succumbing to peer pressure (e.g., football practice), and finding one's own path.
In an era of Trump and Kavanaugh, this tale is as timely and timeless as it gets!
December 3, 2021
This was a re-read of one of my most favorite books of all time
May 9, 2012
I liked this short book when I read it as a teenager. Schoolboy Terpin tells a consoling lie to a stranger that contributes to the man's suicide. Horrified, Terpin vows never to tell a lie again. But his total honesty doesn't make him very popular. Funny and sad by turns. A good coming-of-age book.
November 7, 2008
Fun short read. Good for kids. Ironic story.
December 17, 2008
I remember reading this waaaayy back when, and liking it. A quick little read, this book is recommended for the younger folk. It has some good musings snuggled inside its pages alongside the story.
May 19, 2009
I liked Terpin, but the ending though seeming to solve his problems, really did not. Seidler is very good a persuading hi point.
Want to read
February 25, 2010WHy: I liked this short book when I read it as a teenager and think L might be ready for it much earlier than that. A modern tale of what it means to be true to yourself.
January 12, 2011
One of my favs from when I was a kid.
September 21, 2011
Quick read. Shows how a boy decided that it was best to be honest in all of his doings.
Great if you want students to read it to explore ethics and honesty.
Great if you want students to read it to explore ethics and honesty.
June 15, 2015
GREAT piece of work!!! Subject is about how One random act can and sometimes does change a life! Great read for young adult and older!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews