Amulet, Book One: The Stonekeeper

Kibuishi, Kazu. 2008. AMULET, BOOK ONE: THE STONEKEEPER. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439846806 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-7]

REVIEW
Kibuishi’s middle reader graphic novel tells the first part of the story of Emily and Navin and their quest to save their mother. Their father died in a tragic accident so the family moves to the home of their deceased great-grandfather to save money. Neither child is happy about the move, especially since the house is decaying and scary. In their explorations, Emily finds a beautiful necklace, an amulet. When their mother disappears, Emily and Navin follow her into a strange world, an underground world, inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. There they meet Misket, a pink rabbit robot quite similar to the Energizer bunny, who befriends them. Can the amulet protect them? Will they find their mother? What difficult decisions will Emily and Navin have to make to save themselves and their mother?

Obviously the first book of a series, the graphic novel is perfect for middle grade readers with its appealing characters and great adventure. Well-bound so that it will stand up to lots of use, I predict a book that you won’t be able to keep on the shelf and that kids will be clamoring for volume two.

CONNECTIONS
Use this book for predicting what will happen next either by writing or drawing.

Have students write their own Readers Theater scripts using the book, perhaps having different groups use different sections of the book. Perform it for other students.

RELATED BOOKS
Other graphic novels for middle grade readers:
Cammuso, Frank. KNIGHTS OF THE LUNCH TABLE. ISBN 9780439903226
Gownley, Jimmy. AMELIA RULES. ISBN 9780971216990
Smith, Jeff. BONE ONE VOLUME EDITION. ISBN 9781888963144
Spiegelman, Art and Francoise Mouly, ed. IT WAS A DARK AND SILLY NIGHT. ISBN 0060286288
Wood, Don. INTO THE VOLCANO. ISBN 9780439726719

By Jane Claes