YA literature: THE PIGMAN by Paul Zindel

The Pigman by Paul Zindel

Zindel, Paul. 1978. THE PIGMAN. New York: Bantam Books. ISBN 0-553-26321-8

“Being of sound mind and body on this 15th day of April in our sophomore year at Franklin High School, let it be known that Lorraine Jensen and John Conlan have decided to record the facts, and only the facts, about our experience with Mr. Angelo Pignati” (Zindel). This is the intriguing and somber beginning to a story about the unusual interactions between two teens and the man they refer to as the Pigman. What begins as a prank on an afternoon of boredom turns into regular visits to the Pigman’s house, and a growing friendship. 

The story, told as a flashback from the perspective of John and Lorraine alternatively, reveals the troubled lives of the characters, from John’s bathroom bombing at school to the parental struggles of both. Though thoroughly focused on their own issues, the teens discover the Pigman has struggles of his own, mainly that of finding the joy in a lonely life after the death of his beloved wife. Though unsure of why, John and Lorraine find themselves spending more and more time with Mr. Pignati, who erroneously thinks for quite a while they are adult charity workers due to the initiating prank. From roller skating in the house to visiting Bobo the baboon at the zoo, the teens discover life is what you make of it, despite your situation. This lesson is not fully realized, as the teens continually make surprising and at times insensitive choices, including throwing a raucous party in the Pigman’s house while he is in the hospital. The Pigman feels betrayed by the teens, as John and Lorraine respond differently to this and the subsequent actions and occurrences. With a dramatic ending which is both typical and surprising in the events and actions of the characters, this book is an intriguing mix of realism, humor, drama, romance, and grittiness most any teen would enjoy to read.  Though an older novel, it “…still offer[s] important messages to today's teens…” (Kathy Miller, School Library Journal review).

Classroom Connections:

-       -  Discuss symbolism of the pigs and the baboon

-       -  Socratic circle discussion and writing assignment related to unexpected friendships and learning from those in different life situations.

Best Books Lists:

Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Eighth Edition, 1982 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Sixth Edition, 1976 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Fifteenth Edition, 1997 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States

Voice of Youth Award, 2006-2007 ; Nominee; 7th and 8th Grade; Illinois