Title: Stormbreaker Author: Anthony Horowitz
ISBN: 0399236201 Pages: 192
Publisher: Philomel Books, New York, 2000
ISBN: 0399236201 Pages: 192
Publisher: Philomel Books, New York, 2000
Readers Annotation:
When Alex's uncle mysteriously dies in a car accident, Alex can't help but wonder what really happened. His discoveries lead him on an adventure of covert operations and narrow escapes.
When Alex's uncle mysteriously dies in a car accident, Alex can't help but wonder what really happened. His discoveries lead him on an adventure of covert operations and narrow escapes.
Author Information:
Anthony Horowitz has two careers - one as a children's author, and another as a writer for television, film, and theater. In addition to the popular Alex Rider series, Horowitz has also written the award winning detective series Foyle's War. His books have been translated into Greek, Hebrew, and over a dozen other languages. Some of his TV series credits include Poirot and Midsummer Murders. He has also written a stage thriller called Mindgame and a musical called The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.
Anthony Horowitz was born in 1956 in Stanmore, Middlesex. His inspiration to write came from the difficulties he endured as a child. Presently Horowitz lives with his wife Jill, and his two kids Nicholas and Cassian, in North London.
http://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/
Plot Summary:
Stormbreaker is the first edition in the Alex Rider series. When Alex learns of his only living relative's untimely demise, he has reason to doubt the events surrounding the accidental death. His Uncle Ian Rider was the most careful man he knew, so the story that he was in a car accident without wearing a seat belt just doesn't fit. So, Alex decides to do some digging. He discovers his uncle's vehicle in an abandoned car lot, riddled with bullet holes. He also looks into the mysterious Stryker & Sons, who suddenly arrived at his home and cleaned out his uncle's home office. As he arrives at some answers, he comes across the secretive Alan Blunt & Mrs. Jones.
Alan Blunt conducts a field test on Alex, and discovers that he has some very useful abilities. Without much choice, Alex is hired to complete an espionage mission code-named Stormbreaker. Alex's instructions are to impersonate a boy who would be testing the new school computers that were donated by the wealthy innovator, Herold Sayle. He is also instructed to spy on Herold Sayle. It doesn't take long for Alex to realize that he has taken over the very mission that was the cause of his uncle's death.
Stormbreaker is the first edition in the Alex Rider series. When Alex learns of his only living relative's untimely demise, he has reason to doubt the events surrounding the accidental death. His Uncle Ian Rider was the most careful man he knew, so the story that he was in a car accident without wearing a seat belt just doesn't fit. So, Alex decides to do some digging. He discovers his uncle's vehicle in an abandoned car lot, riddled with bullet holes. He also looks into the mysterious Stryker & Sons, who suddenly arrived at his home and cleaned out his uncle's home office. As he arrives at some answers, he comes across the secretive Alan Blunt & Mrs. Jones.
Alan Blunt conducts a field test on Alex, and discovers that he has some very useful abilities. Without much choice, Alex is hired to complete an espionage mission code-named Stormbreaker. Alex's instructions are to impersonate a boy who would be testing the new school computers that were donated by the wealthy innovator, Herold Sayle. He is also instructed to spy on Herold Sayle. It doesn't take long for Alex to realize that he has taken over the very mission that was the cause of his uncle's death.
Critical Evaluation:
Stormbreaker is written through the eyes of the male protagonist, Alex Rider. A clever, almost super-human teenage boy, and a great candidate for Britain's espionage unit MI-6, Alex Rider still displays the emotions typical of an adolescent. Even the gadgets that the main character is given for his quest, including the metal destroying 'Zit-Clean' cream, are representative of items that any typical teenager would have. The evil characters in the story are easily identified by their actions and descriptions, yet sometimes the reader is purposely led to be doubtful of their motives. The prose is simplistic but simultaneously thrilling. With a complex story line, Stormbreaker brings to mind the James Bond and Mission Impossible series.
Stormbreaker is written through the eyes of the male protagonist, Alex Rider. A clever, almost super-human teenage boy, and a great candidate for Britain's espionage unit MI-6, Alex Rider still displays the emotions typical of an adolescent. Even the gadgets that the main character is given for his quest, including the metal destroying 'Zit-Clean' cream, are representative of items that any typical teenager would have. The evil characters in the story are easily identified by their actions and descriptions, yet sometimes the reader is purposely led to be doubtful of their motives. The prose is simplistic but simultaneously thrilling. With a complex story line, Stormbreaker brings to mind the James Bond and Mission Impossible series.
Genre: Thrilling Action-Adventure
Curriculum Ties: Disease outbreak, Espionage
Booktalking Ideas:
1. Alex is hired by the government, albeit against his will, to serve as a spy for his country. Do you think a government has the right to make extraordinary requests of their citizens in the name of the greater good?
2. Alex spies on a dangerous and wealthy man, looking for clues of his cruel plot. If given the opportunity, do you think you would want such a dangerous assignment?
1. Alex is hired by the government, albeit against his will, to serve as a spy for his country. Do you think a government has the right to make extraordinary requests of their citizens in the name of the greater good?
2. Alex spies on a dangerous and wealthy man, looking for clues of his cruel plot. If given the opportunity, do you think you would want such a dangerous assignment?
Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+
Challenge Issue: none
Why I chose this item: Due to its popularity and thematic elements, I decided this would be a great addition to my collection. Furthermore, I thought that the lower reading level would appeal to reluctant readers.
Further Series Reading: Point Blank, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike, Scorpia, Ark Angel, Snakehead, Crocodile Tears, Scorpia Rising, Stormbreaker Graphic Novel
Further Series Reading: Point Blank, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike, Scorpia, Ark Angel, Snakehead, Crocodile Tears, Scorpia Rising, Stormbreaker Graphic Novel
