Archer's Quest

Park, Linda Sue. (2006) New York: Yearling. 978-0-440-42204-4

PLOT SUMMARY

A famous historical figure from Korean history lands in twelve year old Kevin's room after some weird "magic" pulls him from his time and into the present day. Kevin must learn to deal with the ways of this famous archer and leader in order to get him back to his historical place in time.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Pacing is quick since the bulk of the story takes place within one day. The main character is Korean, but he knows very little of his heritage and it's interesting how he gets to learn more about it through this historical character that he must help. He uses his skills in deduction, math, as well as his connection to an art curator to solve the puzzle in order to send the archer home.

I found the voice of Kevin annoying, but I don't think it is something that other tweens will feel. He has the typical tween attitudes: fear of getting in trouble by adults for something he's done, impatience with adults, impatience with himself, and it's just another character that I feel tweens will be able to relate to.

READER'S ANNOTATION

How in the world did a legendary king of Korea end up in twelve year old Kevin's room? There's no way to say, but it's obvious that he has to return him to his time so that he can continue to rule his land. In order to do that, Kevin has to learn his manners when dealing with this famous archer, and he must research his history before he can find out how to get him home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Sue Park is the daughter of Korean immigrants. She studied English in college and taught ESL to college students. When she married her husband, they moved to London, but it was when the moved back to the states the she realized she wanted to write children's books. She won a Newberry Medal for A Single Shard.

GENRE

Fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

History/Social Studies

Students can research legendary figures from Korean history and tie the significance of their achievements with current Korean culture.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

Get into the character of the archer and ask students about the classroom/library where the booktalk is occurring. Tell them about your (the archer's) land and the difference between it and Kevin's reality.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10-16

CHALLENGE ISSUES

none

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK

To expose students to varied characters, including those who are from other cultures.