Copyright Date:
2015
Edition Date:
2015
Release Date:
09/21/15
Illustrator:
Pedroietta, Jan,
Pages:
34 pages
ISBN:
1-680-21124-2
ISBN 13:
978-1-680-21124-5
Dewey:
Fic
Dimensions:
20 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-All three of these stories have a scattered, random feel and the same introduction: the Dark Man has the power to save the world from the evil Shadow Masters. Aimed at reluctant readers, the books have only a few lines per page and about 15 pages of text. Unfortunately, there is no depth or continuity to the tales, and they're unlikely to hold the attention of their intended audience. In the first title, a boy leads the Dark Man through tunnels to the Fire of Doom. In Hides, he dreams about his childhood and monsters. Finally, the Dark Man learns that his destiny is to find the Golden Cup and keep it from the Shadow Masters. The books all have back matter with information related to the tales (for example, about dreams), discussion questions, and writing prompts, all of which have more meat than the stories and are written at a higher reading level (as is the introduction). FactHound links to material on nightmares and dreams are also at a more sophisticated reading level. The internal illustrations use only a few colors per page and have a graphic-novel-like look. They are more compelling than the stories, but the covers are unlikely to attract readers.-Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Themes: Good vs. Evil, Comic Format, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Tween, Teen, Young Adult, Emergent Reader, Chapter Book, Hi-Lo, Hi-Lo Books, Hi-Lo Solutions, High-Low Books, Hi-Low Books, ELL, EL, ESL, Struggling Learner, Struggling Reader, Special Education, SPED, Newcomers, Reading, Learning, Education, Educational, Educational Books. Meet the Dark Man. He is a hero who lives in the shadows. A man with secret powers. The only man who can fight the evil Shadow Masters. The Dark Man knows what he must do. Close the gateway. He must put his hand into the fire. The Dark Man series is designed for middle school and young adult struggling readers who may have never successfully managed to read a book. Each book is short, but mature, with only 36 pages and word counts ranging from 230380. The graphics are dark, adult in style, with clear references to gaming, film, and graphic novels. The layouts change to maintain interest and avoid predictability. The white space is used to dramatic effect. The text is short and simple. Stories are gritty, full of tension and mystery. The language is terse. The Dark Man is a serious comic hero with his own mythology. Each book is a self-contained story, but each story is a part of a greater whole.