Robert Newton Peck's early books brought an understanding of the realities of rural life to many youngsters. His characterization was sharp and his themes of pride and strength well presented; he also maintained a sense of American traditions. His greatest appeal as an author has been with the young adult audience….

[If Robert Peck] hopes to establish himself firmly in the field of children's literature, he needs to develop carefully worthwhile fiction that will have a lasting appeal. King of Kazoo and Trig seem quickly produced attempts to write for younger children, and they depend on slapstick humor to hold the reader's attention. Neither has a well developed plot or theme, and in neither can one find the stylistic excellence of A Day No Pigs Would Die or Hang for Treason. Last Sunday, on the other hand, is written for the young teen and is a more valuable...