Textbook Assignment #4: Fantasy

1. Textbook Assignment #4: Fantasy Adriana Hernandez LSSL 5360 – Dr. Perry November 6, 2015

2. Collins, S. (2003). Gregor the Overlander. New York: Scholastic. • Gregor is a young boy growing up without a father.  One day he falls through a grate in his apartment building and is somehow transported to a fantasy world underneath New York City. Suzanne Collins creates a parallel universe rich with details from the foods he must eat to survive to the talking spiders and cockroaches to the lack of sunlight. Her writing style creates characters with depth who speak in voices logical to their personas. She paints a setting you could almost walk right in to. Gregor the Overlander – Style and Setting

3. Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York: HarperCollins Pub. • Nobody Owens, better known as Bod, lives in a graveyard. He has spent his life being raised by ghosts, werewolves, and creatures of the night. The themes Gaiman explores so expertly include what it really means to “live” when you are surrounded by death. Another theme is how Bod is able to find a family in the unlikeliest of places. The story is told a bit unusually in that it is basically a series of vignettes of Bod’s life and adventures. Even though each story is its own proper tale, they still blend cohesively into a wonderful story. The Graveyard Book – Style and Theme

4. Hale, S., & Hale, D. (2008). Rapunzel's Revenge. New York, N.Y.: Bloomsbury. • Rapunzel’s Revenge takes several traits of the well-worn Rapunzel tale and gives them engaging twists. Besides the title character, we now have a “trusty” sidekick. In this case the well-known thief, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk. Second, instead of being the damsel in distress, Rapunzel is now a bonafide hero, fighting to save others instead of waiting for her own rescue. The setting is also a complete 180 - she is now fighting it out in the wild wild west. All these changes might seem to take away from the spirit of Rapunzel, but they most definitely breathe new life and fun into the classic tale. Rapunzel’s Revenge – Characters and Setting

5. Krosoczka, J. (2014). Comics Squad: Recess! Random House for Young Readers. • This book features eight hilarious comic stories from some of today’s most popular graphic novelists for children. All of the stories have one thing in common – recess! The book features overlapping plots and characters, so kids are able to see some of their favorites like Babymouse and Lunch Lady pop up over again in new settings. Each story definitely has the stamp of its particular author, but the intertwining plots are there and are great fun. Comics Squad – Plot and Characters

6. Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. HarperCollins Children's Books: London. • Derek Landy’s character, Skulduggery Pleasant, is definitely a one of a kind creation. In his first adventure, Skulduggery “befriends” Stephanie, a young girl caught up in the mysterious death of her uncle. She soon finds the people who were after her uncle are now after her! The plot is fast paced, creepy fun! Before Stephanie knows it, she is Skulduggery’s partner with all the highs and lows that go along with it. As adventurous as the book is, it also skillfully deals with themes that many children do – the feeling of not belonging, trying to find one’s place in life, and being loyal to friends are all themes that would ring true to a lot of young readers. Skullduggery Pleasant – Plot and Theme