Bigger

Bigger #1

by Patricia Calvert

When his father disappears near the Mexican border at the end of the Civil War, twelve-year-old Tyler decides to go after him and bring him home, acquiring on the journey a strange dog which he names Bigger.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Juvenile, Civil War, Childrens, Fiction, Dogs, Animals

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

"We are all emigrants from the same country — the land of childhood. What I want to do is write about the journey all of us have taken — or are in the process of taking — from that special place."

Patricia Calvert celebrates her birthday on July 22nd. She grew up in the mountains of Montana, in what was "a magic world for any child, one in which lodgepole pines grew like arrows toward a sky that seemed always blue." Even though Ms. Calvert knew she wanted to be a writer when she was ten, it wasn't until her daughters were grown and had moved away from home and she and her husband moved to Minnesota that she concentrated on her writing.

Among her books, The Snowbird and Yesterday's Daughter have both been named to ALA's Best Books for Young Adults list. Glennis, Before and After received a Christopher Award. Betrayed! (Atheneum) appeared in 2002 and Robert E. Peary: To the Top of the World (Benchmark) in 2001. Most recently, Ms. Calvert has been focusing on nonfiction writing, bringing us biographies of Zebulon Pike and Kit Carson, as well as The Ancient Celts.

Reviews

[Seth H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bigger is a historical fiction book about a 12 year old boy named Tyler and a dog that Tyler names Bigger. They start on a journey to find Tyler's dad because he's been away for 4 years fighting in the Civil War. Bigger and Tyler start out in Sweet Creek, Missouri and plan to go all the way to the Rio Grande river in Texas on foot. At first Bigger is very hostile and unfriendly towards Tyler and only follows Tyler out of hunger. Gradually after that, he warms up to Tyler and they become buddies. Tyler and Bigger get along pretty well on their trip together, often getting help from people that live in the towns that they pass through. I really liked Tyler because he seemed like a very mature, put together boy. For example, he took care of the family's crops and animals all by himself while his dad's away fighting the war. I didn't like when everyone assumed Bigger to be a mean dog just because of the way he looks. For example, a traveler passed them on the road and steered way clear of them and doesn't even say hi. I disliked Tyler's cousin because he seemed so stuck up and sissy-like.For example, Tyler's cousin tried to fight Tyler just because Tyler bumped into him. I would recommend this book to people who like books set in the past. I also recommend this book to people who liked the books Bull Run and Jim Ugly.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently my mother wanted to buy each of my children a book at a used book store. My son was not at all interested and reluctantly picked out this book because it was about WAR! It really wasn't about the Civil War so much as a boy's journey to find his father after the war and his friendship with a dog. I had never heard about General Shelby and his journey with his men into Mexico to gather strength and support to come back into the US to try to overthrow the union again. Hmmmmmm............love reading about other sides of the story. Loved the boy and his dog in the story. My kids were not very affected when they learned that the boy's father wouldn't be comeing home again because he was going to continue fighting in the "war." However when Bigger, the dog, was shot by a crazy man, my son covertly, wiped the tears from his eyes. Good books but at times the writing about the war with body parts, graves, and dead bodies was a bit graphic and I skimmed a tad to not give my kids too much of a vision of the gruesome events that did occur during the Civil War.

[EliasL]

This book I am reading is called “Bigger”. The author of this book is Patricia Calvert. And the main character is Tyler. And his dog is named Bigger. Tyler was willing to do anything to bring his father home. It’s 1865, and the Civil War is finally over. Tyler hasn’t seen his father since he left home to fight for the South. When Tyler learns that his father refuses to surrender to the Yankees and is headed for Mexico, he sets out to bring his father home.

“Soon Tyler is joined by a strange dog named Bigger. As the two journey south, Tyler is forced to confront his feelings and let go of his most cherished dream. Through it all, Bigger becomes his greatest friend and especially when Tyler finally must face the bitter truth about his father.”

This is a book about the character in the book, Tyler and his life before and after/during the Civil War. At the beginning of the book Tyler was a 13 year old boy who went to go look for his father after he had not returned from the Civil War

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember the war part at all. Is this the book where the dog had different colored eyes?

[Rea K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right, since this was a children's book, it had the kids' book feel. However, it was not completely patronizing and eye-rolling with its words. It's a story about a boy and his dog on a trip. I now want to go on a trip. Unfortunately for me, it wouldn't be the same, because it's so much easier to hop into a car rather than to walk a long ways. Plus, it's cold. Basically, if someone offered me a time travel device that was very portable, I'd take it. I'd take it and go exploring.
I liked this book, even if it was a book about a dog. I'm a cat person. However, I can't imagine a cat deciding to travel with someone. Cats are cats.

[Bvlmc Buchanan Verplanck Elementary School · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a soldier returning home from the Civil War stays overnight at the Bohannon farm, he shares news that General Jo Shelby of the Iron Cavalry Brigade of Missouri refuses to surrender to the North and is headed to Mexico with his men. Not understanding the delay in his father's return from the Civil War, Tyler sets out on a journey to the Texas/Mexico border to find his father and bring him home. Along the way Tyler is befriended by a vicious stray dog. Their journey together provides a story of courage, loyalty and friendship.

[Maverick Cashman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very well written and very well told. Tyler, the main character, and his dog Bigger had an amazing adventure. The adventure itself, was Tyler looking for his father down south towards Mexico. He hadn't seen his father for four years because he was a soldier fighting in the Civil War. Tyler's and Bigger's adventure was long and difficult, but Tyler's commitment toward finding his father was inspiring. Overall this was a very good book and I would encourage my friends to read it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good historical novel for elementary students. Tyler's father doesn't come home from the civil war. So, the thirteen year old decides to go find him based on a story that general Shelby's troops were headed to Mexico. Tyler takes off with his dreams of what life will be like when hid dad comes home. Along the way he gains the friendship of an abused dog, and meets a black boy his age. Excellent read for anyone who likes historical novels. It has two sequels.

[Kerrie Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyler, the main character of this book, must make some very grown up decisions. His father is missing after the Civil War ended and he feels he must find him and bring him home. He leaves home in Missouri for the Rio Grand where he believes his father is. I liked Tyler's spunk. He doesn't give up his search even in the face of hunger, thirst, and other trials.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd, quirky little book about a boy who sets off on a cross-country journey to find his father after the close of the Civil War. It didn't turn out quite like he had planned--and wasn't what I expected either, but it was alright.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen years later and I still get teary-eyed when I think about this book. My love of dogs was completely solidified by this story. I understand that it is about more than a boy's friendship with his dog, but that is where the heart of this book lies.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 6th grade and I still think about it all the time. It doesn't give the reader the ending we are trained to expect, and it is a powerful book. It's a nice quick read that can bring tears to your eyes. Besides who doesn't love a book about a boy and his dog.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

When his father disappears near the Mexican border at the end of the Civil War, twelve-year-old Tyler decides to go after him, acquiring on the journey a strange dog which he names Bigger.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great young readers book with a "what if" for a family after the civil war.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this is a good book. Explores life after the civil war, growing up, touching dog and boy bond, just an overall good story exploring some new territories. Highly recommend.