Title: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld; illustrated by
Keith Thompson.
Publisher: Simon Pulse, p2009, c2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-41697-173-3
Interest
Level: YA
Book Summary:
Leviathan is a truly excellent example of a
well written steampunk story. Readers will love
the odd friendship between Deryn, a young female Darwinist, and Alek
the male royal Clanker. The two young people are supposed to be on
opposing "sides" where machine meets nature in battle. However, they both soon find that they can only trust each other if they want to survive Westerfeld's altered WWI realm.
My Thoughts:
Be still my steampunk heart! Any reader who is new to the world of steampunk will be drawn in by Westerfeld's epic world of genetically engineered war monsters or steam driven machines. As far as steampunk novels go, this one is simplistic enough in nature to reach younger teen readers and introduce an often difficult to read style. The illustrations help readers to "see" the imaginative world and can relate to the imperfect protagonists. The addition of "clanker-talk" and "Leviathan," the whale creature ship, give the story the fantasy elements. Meanwhile, the underlying steampunk elements are felt in the "modern Victorian" outfits and ties to real world items that are altered; such as the division of Europe and historical German machines like the Zeppelin. This is a must read for any adventure/fantasy lover who is new to the steampunk style of writing.
Library Toolbox of Tips and Tricks:
Be still my steampunk heart! Any reader who is new to the world of steampunk will be drawn in by Westerfeld's epic world of genetically engineered war monsters or steam driven machines. As far as steampunk novels go, this one is simplistic enough in nature to reach younger teen readers and introduce an often difficult to read style. The illustrations help readers to "see" the imaginative world and can relate to the imperfect protagonists. The addition of "clanker-talk" and "Leviathan," the whale creature ship, give the story the fantasy elements. Meanwhile, the underlying steampunk elements are felt in the "modern Victorian" outfits and ties to real world items that are altered; such as the division of Europe and historical German machines like the Zeppelin. This is a must read for any adventure/fantasy lover who is new to the steampunk style of writing.
Library Toolbox of Tips and Tricks:
Get thee to a junkyard!
The best part about steampunk is the ability to "see" something out of nothing, or to create new items by combining others. This book would be an excellent community out reach connection. Have children bring in, or businesses donate "clunker" or "steampunk" type materials. (bolts, wire, lace, buckles etc.). Students can then work alone or together to create "clunker" creations for the library display!
(For Ideas see http://www.steampunk.com/)
The best part about steampunk is the ability to "see" something out of nothing, or to create new items by combining others. This book would be an excellent community out reach connection. Have children bring in, or businesses donate "clunker" or "steampunk" type materials. (bolts, wire, lace, buckles etc.). Students can then work alone or together to create "clunker" creations for the library display!
(For Ideas see http://www.steampunk.com/)
References:
Image: Leviathan [cover image]. Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com
/cover?FLR=02973R6&SID=ac2d6f7da7a0b93f2c0f4ef1bc871b66&
type=cover
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