13. Amulet

Amulet: Book One -- The Stone Keeper by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic, 2008).

Genre

Graphic Novel/Adventure

Review

Amulet is focalized through Emily an adolescent girl, who (along with her mother and brother Navin) moves into her great-grandfather's house after the death of her father.  The house is large and mysterious; Emily learns that her great-grandfather was a puzzle maker and upon seeing a recessed handprint on a desk, she uncovers a magical amulet.  The amulet speaks to Emily, warning her that her family is in danger.  When her mother hears a noise in the house, Emily and Navin follow her.  A monster swallows her mother.  Chasing after it, Emily and Navin enter an alternate version of earth called Alledia.  There they meet their great-grandfather who tasks Emily with mastering all of the abilities the amulet will allow her (which includes the ability to emit an energy field).  Emily, her brother, and one of their great-grandfather's creations Miskit (a pink robot rabbit) attempt to locate their mother.  Along the way they find themselves in a confrontation with the son of the Elf King.

Opinion

The work draws on many conventions of fantasy and manga -- cute robots, walking houses, and the use of energy beams and mystical jewelry as weaponry.  This makes the book feel familiar, but doesn't lessen the tension.  The work is fast-paced and unrelenting.  The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I found myself instantly wanting to devour the next book.

Ideas

Because it is such a fast read, it would be a good book for a reluctant reader.  The action is non-stop, and readers will likely find themselves anticipating the next book.  This is a wonderful attribute for encouraging reading.  It would make a worthy selection in a display on graphic novels as well.  With its powerful female lead character, the book might also be useful for sparking interest in graphic novels among girls (or be well suited for female reluctant readers), but it will also provide a positive image of girls for male readers.  The book has a cinematic blockbuster feel and would make for wonderful summer reading.