One of the many things I looked forward to after having kids, was having them discover my favorite books. We've been in that territory for awhile with my son, and he's been subjected to so much Beverly Cleary, E.B. White, C.S. Lewis and of course, J.K. Rowling. Up until recently, there have not been books that he's discovered on his own that piqued my interest. I've read recent middle grade books on my own and then recommended them to him (like The One and Only Ivan or Wonder), but not ones HE has sought out on his own like those godforsaken Captain Underpants Series
(of which I have no real desire to read). However, when we started amassing the Amulet Series
in our house, I was definitely compelled and SO GLAD I sat down to read them all.
At first, I was a little disappointed that there needed to be a horrible Disney-esque killing off of a parent right at the beginning to drive the main character's motivation. And the event that drags Emily and her brother Navin into the world of Alledia, is their mother's kidnapping by a rather disgusting tentacled beast. Yet the story, world building, and breathtaking illustrations completely make up for this one quibble. It's a wonderful tale of good vs evil and that things are not always what they seem. There are familiar elements of classic fantasy: curses, chosen ones, wise men, masters and apprentices that are comforting, as well as clever plot twists. I also love that the protagonist taking the lead is a girl and in many ways it reminds me of my absolute favorite book from when I was about my son's age: A Wrinkle in Time
Now I'm thinking that I need to buy A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel
On one hand, I'm so glad that my son discovered these books and we will continue to enjoy them together. On the other hand, we will still read Harry Potter books, A Wrinkle in Time, etc. in the original format and THEN the graphic novels as an added bonus. I do think there is something to be said for leaving things to the imagination first. But books that are original graphic novels have a place in my heart now, too. He's asked about reading Smile
Thanks for these suggestions. My 2nd grade daughter is reading on a 4th or 5th grade level and we are having a tough time finding books at her level that sustain her attention and are age appropriate. Her dad started reading Wrinkle in Time with her, but it didn't catch her. But I have high hopes for Amulet and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope they work out! I have a few friends with daughters in a similar situation (I can already see my girl on this path, too) and they recommend Ivy and Bean, or anything by Raina Telgemeier (Smile, etc.)
DeleteShe devoured Ivy and Bean! I looked into Smile for her but might hold off. I got Amulet and Spiderwick at the library today.
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