Citation: Barnhouse, R.(2010). The coming of the dragon. New York, NY: Random House.
Impressions: This is a mystical book about kingdom's and dragons. I would recommend this book to anyone who interested in fantasy novels. The book moved a little slow for me. I did like the fact that it was tied to the poem Beowulf. I however did not like the main character Rune. He was a bit annoying from time to time about the subject of his own courage. I was ready about half-way through the book for the story to end. I thought it was much to long.
Reviews:
“Shaping her novel around the last part of Beowulf, Barnhouse ponders the question of good leadership in a violent age. When the infant Rune washes up on the shores of Geatland, many see him as cursed, but the aging King Beowulf spares him and places him in the care of Amma, a wisewoman, who raises him with the ancient lays. When the dragon of the poem lays waste to the countryside and kills many, including Amma and much of the guard that are not off defending against the ever-threatening Shylfings, the now-teenage Rune seeks to prove himself and avenge Amma. In a gutsy move, the author locates the climactic battle with the dragon in the center of the novel, forcing Rune and the Geats to cope with life in a post-Beowulf world and imagine new paths to prosperity. Much of this part of the narrative and the characterization seem more informed by 21st-century sensibilities than ancient Scandinavian ones, but within the framework of the likable Rune's coming of age it works, providing readers with much food for thought—and some hope.”- Kirkus
Kirkus.(2010). The coming of the dragon (book review). Kirkus Reviews, 78(19). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.
“Rune has never known his parents, and the villagers who raised him are not completely convinced he isn’t cursed by the gods. But when King Beowulf is in direst need, only Rune stands by his side, finally able to claim his destiny. Barnhouse takes the final section of Beowulf, which focuses on the story of young Wiglaf, and weaves an absorbing tale of a young man finding his courage. Told as a straight narrative, descriptions of settings and plot elements reflect back to the epic itself. Although few characters are fully developed, Rune and the woman who raised him—as well as King Beowulf—emerge as rounded characters. This is a great bridge book to use in a classroom either before or after broaching the Beowulf story. An author’s note clearly indicates which bits of the novel have been fabricated and which are drawn directly from the poem.”- Cindy Welch
Welch, C. (2010). The coming of the dragon (book review). Booklist, 107(4). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.
Library Setting: In the library, patrons could make dragons themselves. The programmer would need egg cartons, paint, feathers, sequins and art supplies. By cutting the egg cartons in two, you have dragon bodies. The patrons are free to decorate and the dragons however they choose. In addition, have the patron describe what their dragons special skill is. Have the patron share this with the group.
