Mae Tuck on Trial: 5B Students & Parents Bring Tuck Everlasting to Life!

Grade 5 students took their study of Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting to the next level by putting Mae Tuck on trial. In this classic children’s novel, the author explores the concept of immortality and the complexities of living forever, following young Winnie Foster’s encounter with the Tuck family, who have become immortal after drinking from a magic spring. Although Winnie is drawn to the Tucks and their secret, she becomes embroiled in the family’s drama when Mae gets into a physical altercation with the man in the yellow suit. He offers to pay the Tucks to demonstrate their invincibility, but the confrontation turns violent, and he ultimately succumbs to his injuries.

At the end of the novel, key questions remained for students: Did Mae Tuck murder the man in the yellow suit, or was it self-defense? Did Mae kidnap Winnie, or did Winnie consider the Tucks her friends and go with them willingly? As a creative way to engage with the novel’s unanswered questions, students transformed their classroom into a courtroom, with participants taking on key legal roles and parents serving as the jury. Leading up to the trial, students worked on opening statements, prepared questions for witnesses, and discussed the complexities of the case.

On Tuesday, March 11, students finally had their day in court. The trial in 5B featured a full courtroom setup, including a judge (parent Paul Bonner), parent jurors Betsy Fenzel, Jennifer Frost, John Wilkinson, Jess Bieligk, Liz Bonner, Brian Athey, and Erica Gilligan, and students filling all other roles, including court reporter, sketch artist, bailiff, prosecution attorneys, defense attorneys, and witnesses. Homeroom teacher Betsy Kelly served as an advisor as students played out their roles in the courtroom. After hearing compelling arguments from both sides and deliberating for several minutes, the jury reached its verdict: Mae Tuck was found guilty of kidnapping but innocent of murder.

The trial not only deepened students’ understanding of the novel’s themes but also provided them with a hands-on lesson in critical thinking, persuasive argumentation, and the legal process. We are so grateful to the 5B parents and Ms. Kelly for giving their time and energy to bring this experience to life for our students. This immersive activity brought Tuck Everlasting to life in a way that won’t soon be forgotten, making literature and learning truly come alive for 5B!