The infographic below shows how I evaluated five fantasy books for the criteria of character, setting, plot, theme, and style.
Summaries for each of the books in the fantasy collection:
Collins, S. (2003) Gregor the Overlander. New York: Scholastic.
After falling down a laundry chute, Gregor finds himself
(and baby sister Boots) in the strange Underland, a place inhabited by giant
cockroaches, an evolved race of humans who fly atop huge bats, and big, deadly
rats. He soon learns that he is the
chosen one in a prophecy and that his father, who disappeared more than two
years ago is being held captive by the rats.
Gregor agrees to endure a treacherous quest that simultaneously fulfills
the prophecy and rescues his father.
When the quest is successfully achieved, balance is restored to the realm
and the family returns home.
Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins.
Bod's family was murdered by The Man Jack was he was just a toddling babe. He managed to escape the carnage by wandering out of the house and into a nearby graveyard. The ghosts of the graveyard took him in and raised him as their own child. As he grows up in the graveyard, he learns many of the spirits' skills. He even befriends a human girl named Scarlett. Even though many years have passed, The Man Jack is still looking for him. Bod defeats The Man Jack and his other Jack counterparts.
Hale, S. and D. (2008). Rapunzel's Revenge. New York: Bloomsbury.
Rapunzel was given to Mother Goethel as a very young child because her birth parents stole from her garden. The child is being groomed to take over Mother Goethel's empire once she dies. Rapunzel discovers her birth mother is a slave for Mother Goethel. Determined to free her mother, Rapunzel escape the prisons Mother Goethel creates for her. After one escape, she meets Jack and the two team up to take down Mother Goethel having many adventures along the way. They learn what controls Mother Goethel's power and create a plan to take her down.
Holm, J. and M. (2014). Comics Squad: Recess. New York: Random House.
A collection of short, mostly fantastical stories fills the pages of this book. A kid takes his admittance to a super-secret ninja club too far. A cat tries to make the world a dumber place by zapping all the words out of books. A couple of squirrels debate the authenticity of a magic acorn. Baby Mouse tries to earn recess but the odds are not in her favor. A cupcake and peanut take on school yard bullies in a game of freeze tag. Rained out recess means a class of fifth graders must find an alternative activity to cure their boredom.
Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant: Scepter of the Ancients. New York: Bowen Press.
At her uncle's funeral, Stephanie meets a stranger who shows her the very world that led to her uncle's death. Skulduggery Pleasant is a walking, talking magical skeleton that solves mysteries in the magical realm from which he hails. Together, Stephanie and Skulduggery vow to find out why her uncle was targeted. While on this adventure, Stephanie finds out she has the ability to perform magic and more courage than she knew she could fathom. She stands up to the heavies in this realm, thwarting a hostile takeover and uncovering the secret of her uncle's demise.
