Module 13: Graphic Novels

Module 13/SLIS5420

The Skeleton Key

By  Anthony Horwitz

Summary:

The Skeleton Key is the third book in the Alex Rider series following the adventure of the orphaned teenager Alex Rider and teenage spy.  In this book Alex is once again needed by MI6 and the CIA.  Through a series of events he ends up at Skeleton Key Island where he ends up fighting to stop Alexei Sarov from trying to unleashing a nuclear bomb. 

Citation:

Horowitz, A., Johnston, A., Damerum, K., & Takasaki, Y. (2009). Skeleton Key: [the graphic novel]. New York: Philomel Books.

Beyond and Between:

When it comes to the graphic novels of actual books, it is hard to do justice to a graphic novel review when you liked the actual novel so much more.  However, for reluctant readers this graphic novel of The Skeleton Key will keep their attention as it moves quickly, gets the plot line going with typical conversation bubbles, and graphic color pictures following each action and reaction in the book.  In graphic novels, where you can’t spend a paragraph detailing the emotions, scenery, and action/reactions of the main character, you have to rely on the visual cues.  Overall, this graphic novel tells the story of The Skeleton Key in the typical engaging comic book read.  With the main character being a teenage boy and the action/suspense storyline this book is sure to be popular with the boys.

Reviews:

Children’s Literature

This graphic novel adaptation of one of Anthony Horowitz's popular "Alex Rider" series books finds British teen spy Alex working with American spies in Cuba to hunt down an insane Russian general, who has deadly plans for a nuclear bomb. But as Alex gets closer to his target, he learns the general has additional plans to adopt Alex and make him part of his new world order. Though popular among kids, this particular Alex Rider book is littered with unflattering caricatures and stereotypes of various ethnic groups and cultures--especially the Russian general, whose overwhelming hatred of American capitalism would be laughable if it were not so offensive. Other countries do not fare much better as the CIA spies Alex works with are arrogant and condescending, while virtually all the Cubans are cast as the villains' mindless cronies. Even the British end up looking foolish for trusting a young teen like Alex--who constantly runs stupidly into dangerous situations and blurts out sensitive secrets under the threat of torture--with such important missions. While some readers may be able to suspend their disbelief long enough to be entertained by the story's action, the poorly-drawn characters and paper-thin plot make most James Bond movies seem like Oscar-worthy dramas by comparison. 2009, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $14.99. Ages 8 to 12.

Michael Jung, PH. D (2013). The Skeleton Key Review.  Children Literature Comprehensive Database, Retrieved from the University of North Texas  from http://www.clcd.com/

School Library Journal

Gr 5-10- Alex is back for the third time in Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider Adventure Series (Philomel, 2003) as the reluctant 14-year-old spy, getting into his share of James Bond-like adventures. This time he travels to Wimbleton and dodges an evil-doer in the strawberry refrigerator, then to the coast of Cornwall for some surfing and bad-guy avoiding, and finally to the Cuban island of Skeleton Key, as the son of two CIA operatives who are investigating a Russian general's planned nuclear comeback. Following in the tradition of his uncle, the famous spy, Alex wholeheartedly takes command of his adventures and manages to save the world, yet again. Reluctant readers, particularly boys who can't find anything that interests them, will flock to this audiobook. Simon Prebble's reading is flawless; we forget we're being read to, and we find ourselves on the Cornwall coast with Alex. He moves between characters easily, and listeners won't find his British accent bothersome. There is all of the requisite spy intrigue and adventure, even a beautiful young lady as Alex's admirer (sans the frequent sexual encounters). The excitement easily equals a Bond story.

Evarts, L., & Mandell, P. (2003). Skeleton Key. School Library Journal, 49(9), 76.

Suggested Uses:

Depending on your library, graphic novels may be shelved in a different area then the original book. For this graphic novel I would like to start monthly by pulling both versions of the novel out for the teens to see.  Likewise, in the book club offering either version to be read.  This accomplished two things, first it brings in the reluctant readers, but then in the book club it can reveal difference between the original the graphic novel adaptation of the book.