My Contract with Henry

by Robin Vaupel

A class project on Thoreau's "Walden" results in misfits becoming environmentalists and fast friends. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823417018
• ISBN13: 9780823417018
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

Makes Thoreau and _Walden_ relevant to the next generation

A ninth-grade English teacher in Michigan tries to interest her students in the writing of Henry David Thoreau by dividing the class into groups and asking them to create their own Experiment in Living. The ragtag group made up of Stuart, Hollis, Beth and Rachel takes the assignment to heart. They each sign a "Henry Contract." And before you know it, they've somehow constructed a cabin in nearby Wayburn Woods. Each member of the group eventually finds a niche -- one that didn't exist before, and one that highlights heretofore unseen talents. Thus do these "invisible" personalities become known to the rest of the school. By the time Wayburn Woods is threatened by a housing development, the place has become familiar to a wider range of students and community members. We can only speculate about what the future holds for our characters and their hometown.Robin Vaupel has crafted a wonderful YA novel that's sure to turn young people on to Henry David Thoreau. His words and philosophies are peppered throughout the plot, and each chapter begins with an inspirational quote. [I'll forgive a small error: "In WILDNESS is the preservation of the world," not "in wilderness." That's a common mistake that even finds itself painted onto the walls of nature centers.] The story unfolds from Beth's viewpoint, and I found myself wishing I could be fourteen again and could be Beth. My experience in high school libraries convinces me that teenagers of both genders will find this book a worthy read. The most environment-oriented among them may use it as motivation to see and save their own special places. The world could use such inspiration!

Whoohoo!! Robin Vaupel is the best, and so is Henry!

After finishing "My Contract with Henry," I let out a sigh. Not only did this book pull you in with a captivating plot, it also had a complete ending. I guess you could say, all the "i's" were dotted, and all the "t's" were crossed. The book gives you satisfaction of reading it. Having read many, many books in my life, I do not have a favorite all together. Sure, i have favorites per genre, but this book left me with out a doubt. This IS my favorite young adult novel. Robin Vaupel is a very accomplished writer, and I can not wait for the next of her books, "Austin's Orbit." I know hopefully that one day, this great book, "My Contract with Henry," willbe a major motion picture!

The Best Book My Son Has Ever Read

My 11 year old son read this book and wrote a review for the school newspaper. This is what he wrote. "This excellent novel, tells of a ninth grader, Beth Gardner, who is assigned an experiment that would change her life. As she lives in the woods trying to relive the life of Henry David Thoreau she learns to love the wilderness. When a building company buys the woods, Beth does not know if she can save her beloved sanctuary. Mrs. Robin Vaupel is a devoted teacher and a promising author. Her hard work and dedication, that she put into this book has paid off with fabulous results. This was the best book I have ever read and it was a privilege to be allowed to read this magnificent story before it hit the shelves. I would recommend this book and if I had the authority I would not hesitate to award it he Newberry Medal. On a scale of 1-10 I would give this book a 10."

My Contract With Henry

Never before has a book been written that brings Henry David Thoreau to life as a relevant source and guide to the challenges that face us as inhabitants of this tiny but fragile earth. Teenagers and adults will thoroughly enjoy this great adventure as a group of 9th graders recreate the experiences of Walden in their own lives and use what they have learned to face challenges that will test their newly acquired understanding and appreciation of nature and the value of staying true to their "Contract with Henry." This book demonstrates that Henry David Thoreau can still be an inspiration and guide to all of us that struggle with the challenges of the 21st century.

My Contract With Henry

Never before has a book been written that brings Henry David Thoreau to life as a relevant source and guide to the challenges that face us as inhabitants of this tiny but fragile earth. Teenagers and adults will thoroughly enjoy this great adventure as a group of 9th graders recreate the experiences of Walden in their own lives and use what they have learned to face challenges that will test their newly acquired understanding and appreciation of nature and the value of staying true to their "Contract with Henry." This book demonstrates that Henry David Thoreau can still be an inspiration and guide to all of us that struggle with the challenges of the 21st century.