About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Dan is not sure he'll survive the boring field trip to a remote heritage farm.
How could a place with no running water, telephone or electricity be anything but dull? The farmer knows nothing about farming and seems angry about having to conduct the tour. And what's with his tattoo? The teacher requests a private word with the farmer and then mysteriously disappears. Dan decides to investigate and uncovers a deadly plan. But will he be able to get help in time to save his teacher and the rest of his class?
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Also available in French as Cochonnet.
Contributor Notes
Vicki Grant is an award-winning author and television scriptwriter. She has written many books for teens and young readers, including the Arthur Ellis Award–winning Quid Pro Quo. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Association of Utah (CLAU) Beehive Book Award
- Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
- , Forest of Reading Silver Birch Fiction Award
- Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
Editorial Reviews
“Grant hits the nail on the head when she brings both mucous and underwear into the story line…Grant writes a compelling story with lots of suspense, but it's the journey to Dan’s personal redemption that is most enjoyable to read…Highly recommended.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Middle school readers will appreciate this adventure."
— VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Magazine
"It would suit high interest low vocabulary readers with its brevity and reading level, but the high action and excellent writing, not to mention the likable main character, would make it a good choice for any reader."
— Puget Sound Council for Review of Children's Media
“This quick read is perfect for reluctant readers, especially boys. In a story of bravery and redemption, Grant moves quickly to first establish Dan’s post on the lowest rung of the social ladder, and then chronicles his eventual rise to the top.”
— KLIATT
"Dan's wry sense of humor catches readers' attention and has them rooting for him practically from the first page. Pigboy is a great quick read for boys who may be reluctant readers, but others will enjoy it as well."
— School Library Journal (SLJ)
