James+and+the+Giant+Peach

__James and the Giant Peach__ by Roald Dahl



Plot:

Young James' parents were killed by a rhino, which has left him in the custody of his two dreadful aunts that treat him awfully. One night a man gives James a bag of magic worms, which James accidentally drops. The worms work their magic on a dead tree in their yard and a handful on insects, creating a gigantic peach with huge insects living in its pit. One night James eats his way to the center, and becomes part of the magic. James and the insects break free of the tree, and travel inside of the peach to New York City.

Personal Thoughts:

This book is possibly 'reading down' a bit for tweens, as many read it in fourth and fifth grade. However, the book is a classic fantasy book that many tweens often harken back to and enjoy re-reading. Also, tweens with lower reading levels enjoy reading the Roald Dahl books, as they are able to successfully finish them, thus making it still an important fantasy work in the tween canon. Tweens and teens can identify with young James as he misses he experiences loss and loneliness, makes new friends, and risks everything to fulfill the dream he once shared with his parents. The fantastical bugs are lovable, comedic, and also help illustrate the point that friends come in all shapes and sizes.

Genre:

Fantasy

Reading Level:

8 & up

Series Information:

NA

Awards:

Massachusetts Children's Award (USA 1982)

Character List:

James: Young James Trotter is the protagonist in the story. He is lovable, as readers sympathize with his loss of his parents and triumph along with him as he escapes the grasps of his evil aunts and grows up to be happy despite his childhood.

Sponge & Spiker: Evil, evil aunts that starve James and exploit him for labor.

Citation:

Dahl, R. (2002). //James and the Giant Peach//. New York : A.A. Knopf.