Before I checked this book out from the library I had never heard of it. The description compared it to Animal Farm and Charlotte’s Web and its short length made it an easy choice to read.
“Sprout was an egg laying hen, which meant she was raised for her eggs. She had come to the coup over a year before. Since then all she had done was lay eggs. She couldn’t wonder around, flap her wings, or even sit on her own eggs. She had never stepped outside the coop. But ever since she had seen a hen running around the yard with the adorable chicks she had hatched Sprout had harbored a secret desire to hatch an egg and watch the birth of her chick.”
Hwang quickly introduces the reader to Sprout and the “secret desire” of her heart. The reader then follows Sprout on her life journey as she refuses to lay eggs and is sent to die, only Sprout survives and is now free.
Sprout learns the dangers of the wild including the weasel. She also finds an egg and sits on it until it hatches. Sprout then learns she has been sitting on a duck egg. It doesn’t matter to her, the animal that hatched is her son and she will raise him as such.
Hwang portrays the difficulties that Sprout has trying to raise a duckling and does an excellent job of showing Sprout’s love and determination throughout.
Overall this was a compelling story that shows the cycle of life. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
As they barreled along in the subway Alexander turned to Sammy and asked “who are your heroes?”
“Like me personally?”
“Societal. In my age there were Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax and so many more. I want to know who the new heroes are.”
“Those are Greek dudes right?”
“Yes.” Alexander said disdainfully.
“Hey, don’t get mad at me cus I ain’t super booky?”
“I assume that means you don’t read much.”
“The last time I picked up a book was like third grade man. I live in the streets.”
“You have no place of domicile?”
“Dom a what?”
“A dwelling. A place where you sleep.”
“You take things too literally. I’m just sayin I was always roaming the streets. I had an apartment. It was small, so I spent as much time as possible outside in the city.”
“Who are the heroes of your age?” Alexander asked trying to get the conversation back on track.”
“I don’t know man. Everyone is so divided these days.” Sammy hedged as he looked around the subway to see who might be listening.
“Do you know of the Trojan War?”
“That’s the one with the horse. Right?”
“I have much to ...
