This book club we read The Lost Years of Merlin - by T.A. Barron - which chronicles Merlin's magical youth.
This book was: FUN.
Even though it was definitely meant for a younger audience (4-8th grade), that doesn't mean I didn't have a great time reading it. Sure, there were shenanigans like ummm, Merlin: when you go on a sea voyage...take water! Also, as an adult reading it, the plot trajectory was quite apparent. Even then, I still wanted to read to confirm.
This book was delightful and could easily be used as supplemental reading during a mythology unit.
The best part of the book, though, deals with perception. In our world, we name the stars and gather constellations and their stories. In the place Merlin was born, however, they make "constellations" out of the space between stars, the black space.
Did that just rock your mind?
This example lets the book begin a discussion of broadening worldviews and accepting (and welcoming) difference.
Luckily, there are two subsequent books in the series. I'll definitely be including the series in my classroom library.
"Nothing like a good read to finish off a day of good reads."
T.A. Barron
T.A. Barron
I love that you read (and enjoy!) so much young adult fiction. You will be the coolest teacher ever! You classroom library - as if! That's so exciting!
ReplyDeleteThat book helped cultivate my intense love of reading. Almost all of T.A.Barron's books are wonderful and worth the read.
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