1. The Pigman
By Paul Zindel

2. Characters John and Lorraine – take turns narrating Mr. Pignati
Teenagers/Sophomores
Friends, but lonely
Typing their memoir of Mr. Pignati
Mr. Pignati
Pigman
Old
Needs help, John and Lorraine befriend him.

3. Themes Rejection and alienation Coming of Age Stereotypes
Teenage social problems 1960s
Bullying/rejection/lonliness
Not just at school: divided families, alcoholism, loneliness
Have the problems changed much?
Coming of Age
Adolescence is the time period between being a child and being an adult.
Coming of Age is a time when teens experience physical and emotional growth.
Stereotypes
Teenage?
Senior Citizen?

4. The Pigman 1968 (This is the year Mrs. Lewis was born!)
Realistic fiction, authentic teenage voice
Several Awards
NY Times Outstanding Book
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Sensitive subjects: vandalism, drinking, smoking, infidelity

5. Paul Zindel Born on Staten Island, NY, in 1936.
Father abandoned family in 1938.
Mother raised him by herself.
He was a loner during his childhood.
Went to Wagner College (Staten Island)
Taught HS chemistry
Began writing – published a play: The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
Continued to write and live in Manhatten with his wife and two kids.
Died in March of 2003 of cancer