The Pushcart War
The Pushcart War
Book Brief
232
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1970s
1964
Middle grade
10-14 years
1050L
Super Short Summary
The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill is set in New York City and is a historical recollection from the future detailing a street war between truckers and pushcart vendors. Truck drivers plan to dominate city streets, prompting vendors, led by Maxie Hammerman, to fight back using pea shooters to flatten truck tires. As conflict escalates, media manipulation and political corruption emerge, but eventually, new laws curb truck power, leading to a peaceful resolution honoring the pushcart vendors' resistance. Triggering or overtly sensitive topics include instances of violence and bullying.
Humorous
Playful
Reviews & Readership
5,345 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jean Merrill's The Pushcart War is acclaimed for its witty satire and strong message advocating for the power of the underdog. Readers appreciate its quirky characters and clever commentary on urban life and conflict resolution. However, some critique it for a dated feel and simplistic plot. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its humor and thought-provoking themes.
Who Should Read The Pushcart War?
A reader who would enjoy The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill is typically someone who appreciates satirical, whimsical, and thought-provoking stories, similar to those found in Animal Farm by George Orwell and Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. This book appeals to both younger audiences and adults interested in social commentary and humor.
5,345 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Pushcart War was originally published in 1964, and it cleverly satirizes urban issues and the power dynamics between small businesses and large corporations.
Jean Merrill's story was ahead of its time in addressing themes of nonviolent resistance and grassroots activism, and it has often been used in educational settings to teach these concepts.
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The book includes a humorous examination of how history can be documented and distorted, featuring fictional elements like "The Daffodil Massacre" and "The Pea Shooter Campaign."
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232
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1970s
1964
Middle grade
10-14 years
1050L
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