Magical Worlds Book Club

    $157.07

    “I am grateful for a modern (including classics that stood the test of time), diverse reading list and an engaging professor and set of classmates with whom my student can begin to explore themes, symbolism, historical references, and analysis generally. We’re moving from loving stories to analyzing them–and this course is providing the tools. Thank you for taking these little ones seriously. It encourages them to see themselves as critics and creators, not just consumers, of fantasy. Athena’s is a life-giving platform, where students can feel encouraged to explore, rather than endure remedial coursework or hide their strengths and enthusiasm.” ~ Parent Laura G.

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    Step 1: Register Your Student

    Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student

    InstructorProf. Valerie Frankel
    Content LevelsGrades 5-6 • Upper Elementary
    Course Length8 Weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnWednesdays, 2:00 - 2:50 PM Pacific - See below for webinar dates

    We love magical worlds, from Oz to Neverland. Sure, we’ve heard of the really big worlds like Middle Earth or Wonderland. And Rick Riordan Presents are filling the shelves with delightful multicultural fantasy worlds with their diverse magical beasts and demons.

    But which other ones are out there?

    Together, let’s have a summer fantasy book club (same theme as last year, but all new books) and enjoy some really stand-out bestsellers from recent years. We’ll analyze their messages and deeper meanings while learning the folklore behind them too.

    While reading a book each week, we’ll have a truly fantastical summer together.

    Note: This course alternates between two sets of books, so can be taken two years in a row if desired.

    Course Webinar Dates:

    • May 28th
    • June 4th
    • June 11th
    • June 18th
    • June 25th
    • July 2nd
    • July 9th
    • July 16th

    Taught by Prof. Valerie Frankel

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • Reading: a full novel each week as listed in required materials.
    • Reading responses or class discussion assignments

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos and book club guides, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
    • Additional lessons and resources to help students get more out of the lessons and appreciate the novels.

    What to expect during the weekly webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Deep analysis and discussion of the novels along with background mythology and real-world history.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) is encouraged in online class discussions and also during lectures.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a solid 4th-grade level or above.
    • Type fluently.
    • Write a paragraph independently.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Read a fantasy novel a week, including ones they haven’t heard of from different cultures
    • Actively participate (via the microphone) in the class discussion.
    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials (any format including paperback, ebook, audio book is acceptable. Libraries are well-stocked):

    • Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus
    • Loki’s Wolves by K. L. Armstrong & Melissa Marr
    • The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
    • Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl by Julie Kagawa
    • The Lost Rainforest #1: Mez’s Magic by Eliot Schrefer
    • Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu
    • Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow by James Rollins
    • The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat