Module 8 - March 8-14
The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh
Summary:
Take a journey into the underworld with Jack, a ninth-grader who is intrigued with the Classics. Jack is involved in a car accident that literally changes the way that he sees things. Jack has an unusual meeting with a girl in New York's Grand Central Station. As he explores the station with Euri, he discovers areas of the station that are unknown to the living world. Soon he discovers himself in a ghostly adventure in the secret underworld of the dead. He dodges Cerberus, the three-headed dog, flys through the New York skyline, and experiences sledding - ghost style. Thoughout the course of his adventure, Jack discovers dark secrets about his family and finds that he is capable of meaningful relationships.
Thoughts of a Book Worm:
I thought this was a wonderfully written story. I enjoyed the modern day references of New York mixed with the history and legends of this historical state. Marsh also creatively infused pieces of Classical mythology, writers, and poets into the storyline. The storyline was one in which those who are familiar with the Classics would enjoy the references but those who are not familiar would still be intrigued by the overall plot.
Reviews:
"It was just after dusk when the accident happened." This alluring first sentence grabs readers' attention, and the compelling story line will hold that interest. Marsh's story focuses on ninth-grader Jack Perdu, a prodigy of classic mythology. Absorbed in a book, Jack fails to see the car that knocks him down. He's physically okay, but after the accident he sees ghostly beings. In New York City's subway, he meets Euri, a spectral girl who leads him eight stories below Grand Central Station, and together they enter the residence of hundreds of ghosts. The spirits, several dead for more than 200 years, are suspicious of Jack, because to them he appears to be alive. Is Jack actually dead? If so, will he be able to locate his mother who disappeared years before? Both Jack and readers will simultaneously unravel the mystery surrounding the author's surreal setting as he learns how to enter and exit this supernatural world. Teenagers knowledgeable about mythology and appreciative of sophisticated wordplay will especially enjoy this intricate read." (Fiction. 12-15) - Kirkus Reviews
"Gr 7 Up -Jack Perdue, a prodigy, lives with his father on the Yale campus where he buries himself in classical literature. When an accident leaves Jack with a head injury, his father sends him to a very strange doctor in New York. Jack has not been to New York since his mother died and he and his dad moved to New Haven. In Grand Central Station, Jack takes a tour and meets a girl named Euri who suggests that he might want to see the underground station-places that the public never get to see. So begins the adventure into the underworld of ghosts as he searches for his mother and learns about her mysterious life and death. Adventure abounds as Jack and Euri visit with deceased authors and constantly avoid the ghost police with a three-headed dog looking for anyone who might be living. Along the way, Jack discovers some truths about Euri, himself, and his father. Actor Andrew Rannels narrates and provides a realistic voice for each character. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this fantasy (Hyperion, 2007)" Reviewed by:Jeana Actkinson - School Library Journal
Suggested Activities:
This book be a great introduction or serve as an extension to the study of some of the famous Classical mythology stories or Classical plays. In particular, the study of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Students should compare and contrast the stories of Jack and Euri with Orpheus and Eurydice. Students could extend this study all the way to re-creating a play of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Bibliography: Marsh, K. (2007). The night tourist. New York: Hyperlion Books for Children.
The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh
Summary:
Take a journey into the underworld with Jack, a ninth-grader who is intrigued with the Classics. Jack is involved in a car accident that literally changes the way that he sees things. Jack has an unusual meeting with a girl in New York's Grand Central Station. As he explores the station with Euri, he discovers areas of the station that are unknown to the living world. Soon he discovers himself in a ghostly adventure in the secret underworld of the dead. He dodges Cerberus, the three-headed dog, flys through the New York skyline, and experiences sledding - ghost style. Thoughout the course of his adventure, Jack discovers dark secrets about his family and finds that he is capable of meaningful relationships.
Thoughts of a Book Worm:
I thought this was a wonderfully written story. I enjoyed the modern day references of New York mixed with the history and legends of this historical state. Marsh also creatively infused pieces of Classical mythology, writers, and poets into the storyline. The storyline was one in which those who are familiar with the Classics would enjoy the references but those who are not familiar would still be intrigued by the overall plot.
Reviews:
"It was just after dusk when the accident happened." This alluring first sentence grabs readers' attention, and the compelling story line will hold that interest. Marsh's story focuses on ninth-grader Jack Perdu, a prodigy of classic mythology. Absorbed in a book, Jack fails to see the car that knocks him down. He's physically okay, but after the accident he sees ghostly beings. In New York City's subway, he meets Euri, a spectral girl who leads him eight stories below Grand Central Station, and together they enter the residence of hundreds of ghosts. The spirits, several dead for more than 200 years, are suspicious of Jack, because to them he appears to be alive. Is Jack actually dead? If so, will he be able to locate his mother who disappeared years before? Both Jack and readers will simultaneously unravel the mystery surrounding the author's surreal setting as he learns how to enter and exit this supernatural world. Teenagers knowledgeable about mythology and appreciative of sophisticated wordplay will especially enjoy this intricate read." (Fiction. 12-15) - Kirkus Reviews
"Gr 7 Up -Jack Perdue, a prodigy, lives with his father on the Yale campus where he buries himself in classical literature. When an accident leaves Jack with a head injury, his father sends him to a very strange doctor in New York. Jack has not been to New York since his mother died and he and his dad moved to New Haven. In Grand Central Station, Jack takes a tour and meets a girl named Euri who suggests that he might want to see the underground station-places that the public never get to see. So begins the adventure into the underworld of ghosts as he searches for his mother and learns about her mysterious life and death. Adventure abounds as Jack and Euri visit with deceased authors and constantly avoid the ghost police with a three-headed dog looking for anyone who might be living. Along the way, Jack discovers some truths about Euri, himself, and his father. Actor Andrew Rannels narrates and provides a realistic voice for each character. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this fantasy (Hyperion, 2007)" Reviewed by:Jeana Actkinson - School Library Journal
Suggested Activities:
This book be a great introduction or serve as an extension to the study of some of the famous Classical mythology stories or Classical plays. In particular, the study of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Students should compare and contrast the stories of Jack and Euri with Orpheus and Eurydice. Students could extend this study all the way to re-creating a play of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Bibliography: Marsh, K. (2007). The night tourist. New York: Hyperlion Books for Children.
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