Textbook Assignment 5

Textbook Assignment 5

Applegate, K. (2015). Crenshaw. New York: Feiwel & Friends.

 Applegate uses Jackson and Crenshaw to shed light on the concealed topic of homelessness. Jackson notices the small signs such as stacks of bills, less food, and his parents arguing about money. They’ve already been homeless once and had to live in their minivan, so naturally Jackson begins to worry. On top of that, his imaginary friend Crenshaw has began to show up again who hasn’t appeared since the last time they were homeless when Jackson was in the first grade. Though Jackson seems annoyed by Crenshaw, he is a bold character and exactly the type of friend that Jackson needs. Crenshaw helps him sort through his feelings and address his parents about their issues. This is a short read that will hopefully leave readers with a sense of gratefulness and lessons learned about family and true friendship.

Collins, S. (2004). Gregor the Overlander. NY: Scholastic.
Gregor is left in charge of his little sister, Boots, but when she falls into a hole in the laundry room, Gregor goes after her not knowing the world that awaits him on the other side. In this book, Collins creates a vivid world underneath the city of New York that is filled with giant cockroachs, bats, rats, and unusual humans. The author’s vivid description of the setting as Gregor explores through the grimy caves, makes the reader feel as though they are a part of the journey. However, what starts off as a simple quest leads Gregor to an adventure finding his long lost father who has been held hostage over two years by the rats. Readers will want to eagerly follow Gregor’s battle.

Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. NY: HarperCollins.

Tragedy strikes early as Nobody “Bod” Owens quickly becomes an orphan when his family is murdered by an evil organization, Jack. Bod is then taken in by ghosts, and his home becomes the graveyard, the setting for this novel. The way the graveyard is portrayed in the story defines Gaiman’s style and makes the novel that much more enjoyable. There is a distinct difference of life in the graveyard versus outside the gates. The dialect of the ghosts mirror the time era they lived in and though the graveyard provides a safe home for Bod, it still remains exactly what a graveyard stands for, death. There is no progression, technology, or advancement, so as Bod grows up he feels he’s learned as much he can there and decides to live his life on the other side of the gates, leaving his protection behind.

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.

The Hales revamp the beloved fairytale story of Rapunzel with their own style by giving the characters a twist in a new setting. At the beginning Rapunzel is tricked by Mother Gothel who is really an evil witch, but once Rapunzel finds out the truth about her real mother, she escapes from the magical tree using her long hair to climb down. Once she escapes, Rapunzel meets Jack who eventually takes on the role of her sidekick on her journey to Gothel’s mansion to free her real mother. Though Rapunzel may start off as a fragile girl, through her many obstacles she is strengthened and takes on a “shero” attitude in an Old Western setting with horses, cowboys, and her red hair as a lasso.

Holm, J. (2014). Comics squad: Recess! NY:
Random House.

In this book, characters such as Baby Mouse, Lunch Lady, and others are pulled from popular comic books to unite and make a collection of eight short stories. Though each comic has a different plot, they all have two similarities: the setting and theme. Each story takes place in a school like setting whether it is in the classroom, cafeteria, hallway, playground, or library. The theme/concept of recess is also tied into most of the stories as the characters go on some sort of quest, or solve a problem during recess time as the title suggests. Comic book readers will love this collection and the creativity of seeing some of their favorite authors’ work collaboratively put together in one book.




Landry, D. (2007).   Skulduggery pleasant NY: HarperCollins.

The interesting art cover for this book will certainly peak reader’s interest to give this book a try, and once they open it they will be even more intrigued by the characters, Stephanie and Skulduggery. Their relationship is formed after Skulduggery rescues Stephanie from a strange visitor at the mansion she inherits from her deceased uncle, and the two team together to solve the mystery of her Uncle’s death and fight villains along the way. Landy’s style brings the enchanting creatures to life in a way that captivates the reader, while enjoying the witty dialogue between the two characters. By the end, Stephanie sheds her old self and claims a new name, Valkyrie Cain.