We're covering modern fantasy this coming week in Children's Lit. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is undoubtedly the most famous example of modern fantasy. I read
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on Friday; it's very different from the movie. I knew that ahead of time because it's no secret, but I was intimately exposed to that fact while reading Harry Sue, by Sue Stauffacher.
We read Harry Sue in Educating Diverse Learners last semester because the story is a great example of the inner workings of a school and how it handles its diverse learners. Within Harry Sue lie many, many allusions to and quotes from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and even if you're not attached to the story, I highly recommend reading Harry Sue.
We read Harry Sue in Educating Diverse Learners last semester because the story is a great example of the inner workings of a school and how it handles its diverse learners. Within Harry Sue lie many, many allusions to and quotes from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and even if you're not attached to the story, I highly recommend reading Harry Sue.
On Saturday, I read Crank, by Ellen Hopkins. WHOA. What a book. What an epic poem. What a freaking mind-blow. Whether you're open-minded or too attached to living life within a security blanket, Crank is a must-read, and I do not often say anything is a must-read.
I am reading Crank for a semester project in Children's Lit. I used small, green Post-Its to mark things of interest as I read through. I will go through another time to Post-It meaningful passages, and yet another time to Post-It exemplary moments of craft. This is how I become a better writer.
In conclusion: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a curious book, Harry Sue is an excellent example of a well-rounded story with round characters, and Crank is a must-read. I think I just used 'in conclusion' in the wrong way. Oh well.
I like the Post It idea. Great way to mark superb passages, but you not interrupt your reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book recs. In what ways is the Oz story different than the movie? Big changes or little changes?
I read the Wonderful Wizard of Oz when I was in elementary school. I remembered there were a few parts I thought, "why didn't they put THAT in the movie?" I wonder if it's worth a re-read.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your idea.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz one day. It's another book waiting on my to be acquired list. :-)
ReplyDelete