In the Salinas Valley, California, during the Great Depression, George and Lennie travel from job to job. Lennie has the intellectual capacity of a small child, but is a large and strong man. Lennie likes to touch soft things, but he has no idea of his strength and often kills the small animals he touches. After Lennie is accused of rape, Lennie and George flee Weed and find work on the Tyler ranch. Curley is the boss' son and takes an instant dislike to Lennie. A small man, Curley likes to intimidate large men, who often do not stand up for themselves for fear of losing their jobs. Curley's wife flirts with Lennie, and she allows him to pet her hair. When Lennie becomes rough with her, he accidentally kills her. George must make an agonizing decision - what will be best and merciful for Lennie? Written in 1937, this classic novel touches upon the issue of euthanasia. The text also explores issues of discrimination which includes racism, sexism, social class, persons with disabilities and the elderly.--Ministry of Education website.

English language arts 10 (2011). Note: The book includes some coarse language.--Ministry of Education website.