Charlotte's WebCharlotte's Web
What it's about
Wilbur is the runt of a litter of pigs, saved from slaughter by a girl named Fern. When he's sold to her uncle's farm, he learns from the other animals that he'll be killed at Christmas. A wise, kind gray spider named Charlotte, who lives in the barn doorway, vows to save him. Her plan is to write words about Wilbur in her web, words that will make people believe he's a remarkable pig.
Why it's worth reading
It's one of the best-selling children's books ever, about 50 million copies, and a pick on both the BBC's Big Read and the PBS Great American Read. It's a perfect book about friendship and death.
You'll love it if you liked
The Hobbit, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or Watership Down
Good to know
It's a children's book that adults love too, and it's wonderful read aloud. The ending makes almost everyone cry.
By the numbers
- Readers76 out of 100 · counts 40%+35
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%+0
- Bestseller80 out of 100 · counts 32% (its stronger lane)+28
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 15%+0
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero.
On 2 canon lists, including PBS Great American Read. One of the best-selling books ever (about 50 million copies). 4.21★ from 2.1M Goodreads ratings.
Where it ranks
- #77 of the 519 classics we rank
- #200 of the 1,404 books we rank
Bestseller
- One of the best-selling books ever (about 50 million copies)
On the lists
- PBS Great American Read
- BBC's The Big Read
Reads as
Epic
