Fantasy Novels
3-20-13
Hello Again,
This meeting we had a really fun topic. Or, at least I thought so. :) It was on the world of fantasy. The theme tried to stay away from the, ever so popular, vampire world in order to direct us towards other fantastical elements. Of course, we brought in the traditional stories of Tolkien and Rowling, but we also found some great new novels. Some we even talked on teaching. I hope you enjoy the notes and thanks again to everyone who participated. Our book club continues to grow and I am very thankful for our supporters!
Members and their novels:
Jeramy
World War Z:
Has a lot of history incorporated into the novel. Would be good for teaching because you could tie into American history. A well written novel, not too graphic. More of a high school novel because of the language.
-He could see a lot of lessons in the novel.
-Author has a unique style.
Gwen
The Lord of the Rings:
Personification in Lord of the Rings: Ask the question, what is it like to be human?
Fantasy world includes original participation of nature and how it makes us human.
Fantasy vs. Sci-Fi. is similar to past vs. future.
Emma:
The Plague of the Dead: Middle school novel. Talks about the "Morning Star Virus" (Residence Evil). Zombies are taking over and it's viewed through an internet chat base. Small section novel, could model journal entries.
Taryn:
Harry Potter: Has all of the elements of the theme. Assign it in middle school. If you are teaching it has to be fostered appropriately. Does use older elements of werewolves, and the fantasy world. Does change the concept of witches and wizards because they are seen as "good" figures. There is the coming of age element and the hero's journey. The writing is really well thought out and mapped out. It is a really well read and criticized novel, very significant novel that influenced the entertainment culture.
Inspiring Thought: "If you don't challenge yourself as a reader, you don't challenge yourself as a writer." -Jen.
Jamie:
Frankenstein: Just got done teaching the novel. What stuck the most is that gothic literature is more about the suspense and the intrigue, not the horror or the terror. It creeps up on you. :) After the students understood what "gothic writing" was they were able to compare it to other writings and come up with their own questions.
Had students write what they would give to Frankenstein to read. Was able to teach Paradise Lost because Frankenstein read that in the novel. Had students think more in depth on what they've read and even research what they would read.
Insightful Thought by a Student: "A dream is like a light at the end of a tunnel and if you don't reach for it, it dims." -Emma's student.
Brad:
War World Zombie: You could teach the novel through dialect or dialogue. It's a lose format, so you could teach sections.
Social aspect: half of the people in the novel wanted to riot, half the people wanted to help. There could be a book talk or a discussion on what you want to do.
Style perspective: the interviews are all different and therefore different style so of writing and interviews.
Jen:
Professional Development Novels: Jeff Anderson-Ten Things Ever Writer Need to Know,
***Got Jen her job essentially: Peter Johnson-Choice Words (how to talk to students so they will be engaged)
Peter Johnson-Opening Minds (trick students into learning and thinking deeper)
Jim Burke: Teacher Companion
P.S. He signed Jen's book at the airport in Vegas.
Next Week: Nonfiction: April 17th
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