Module 4: The Hero and the Crown

Module 4: (September 13-19)

McKinley, R. (1984).The Hero and the Crown. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Summary: Princess Aerin has always been a bit of an outcast despite her royal blood. Many of the people in the kingdom think her mother (a supposed witch) enchanted the king into marrying her, and that Aerin is no different. Out of boredom and a need to prove herself, Aerin secretly decides to start training herself to slay the many dragons plaguing the kingdom. And prove herself she does! Aerin slowly shows the kingdom they were wrong about her all along, and eventually sets off on a quest to fight the fearsome Black Dragon and find the Hero’s Crown that will mean safety for her kingdom. Can one young woman save the day?

My Impressions: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I haven’t read too many fantasy novels where the main character is a girl, but I am definitely a fan! I loved the combination of magic, adventure, and daring of the story, and Aerin is definitely not your average character. That scene where she slays the Black Dragon by stabbing him through the eye until her entire arm was in its brain? Crazy! She’s the kind of heroine that will entertain male and female readers alike!

Reviews: “Reading this fantasy is immensely rewarding. Reversing the gender stereotypes from "Dungeons & Dragons" type tales, Aerin, an awkward but brave young woman becomes the hero. Students—both male and female—will enjoy as well as relate to the growing pains of childhood and young adulthood. With McKinley's engrossing narrative and fascinating descriptions, any reader will have an opportunity to allow his or her imagination to run wild. Although a fantasy, students will be able to sympathize and empathize with various situations in Aerin's coming-of-age adventure.”—BooksR4Teens http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=44

“Vibrant, witty, compelling, the story is the stuff of which true dreams are made.”—The Horn Book.*

"Splendid high fantasy...filled with tender moments, good characters, satisfying action and sparkling dialogue....Superb!"—School Library Journal*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://www.powells.com/biblio/9780141309811

--Winner of the Newbery Medal, 1985

Library Use: One of the great things about fantasy novels is that the author creates such an elaborate, imaginative world for their characters to inhabit. I think if some teens were so inclined, it might be really cool to have an ongoing program where they could create/write about a fantasy world of their own. As inspiration they might read books like this, the Eragon series, the Chronicles of Narnia series, and of course The Lord of the Rings series. As an alternative to the writing idea, they might just be able to create a discussion group to talk about all these as well.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/The-Hero-and-the-Crown/dp/B00118X5JI/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836531&sr=1-3