The Teacher’s Funeral

The Teacher’s Funeral by Richard Peck is a reprint edition published by Penguin on November 21, 2006. This 224-page novel is set in 1904 and follows the story of fifteen-year-old Russell Culver, who dreams of escaping his small Indiana farm town for the Dakotas. With the unexpected passing of his teacher, Russell hopes for the closure of the school, but instead, he faces a new and surprising educational journey under the guidance of his sister, Tansy.

Readers will find a humorous exploration of school life and sibling dynamics as Russell navigates a series of unexpected challenges. The narrative features elements of juvenile fiction and historical context, capturing the essence of early 20th-century American education. Through events like stolen supplies and a privy fire, Tansy proves to be the only teacher capable of managing Russell’s antics, potentially steering him toward a more enlightened path.