Week 5: Artemis Fowl

• Week: 5
• Book Title: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
• Book Cover Image:

Copyright (2001), Scholastic, Inc.

• Book Summary:  A boy genius, Artemis Fowl sets out to redeem his family's reputation.  He needs money and he needs it fast.  He's heard rumors of a fairy motherlode and makes plans to steal it.  His adventures take him all over the world and the plot takes twists and turns that are unexpected.  In the end he gets what he wants. Or does he?
• APA Reference:  Colfer, E. (2001).  Artemis Fowl.  New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
• My Impressions:  At first I thought, "How can a criminal be a good character or role model for the kid's reading this book?"  But, as the book continues, I tuned into some of the back story that makes Artemis do the things he does.  As a 12 year old, he has a truly amazing capability for planning and thinking things through. Holly is an excellent buffer and adds a quirkiness to the storyline.  Butler is the stuff of children's fantasies . . . who doesn't want a bodyguard/servant/friend/father figure hanging around waiting to do anything you want to do?   This book has me hooked enough to read the rest of the series.  From the worn-out shape of the copy I found, I would say that many kids feel the same way.
• Professional Review:

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8–Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl (Hyperion, 2001) is twelve-year-old and heir to the Fowl Empire worth millions, albeit earned through not-so-conventional means. He is a genius and undoubtedly one of the craftiest, most cynical and criminal masterminds the world has ever known. This first book in the series begins with his discovery of the existence of "The People"–fairies, leprechauns, and trolls–and their abundance of gold. Artemis learns that each fairy has a tiny magical book and he'll do whatever it takes to get one, including blackmailing an old, drunken fairy. After decoding the secrets held in the book, he sets his plan into motion to kidnap a fairy and hold her for ransom. With the help of his bodyguard, Artemis successfully captures feisty Captain Holly Short, a LEPrecon–a soldier from an elite branch of the Lower Elements Police. His mission is thwarted when Short's senior officer implements a strategic rescue team resulting in a wisecracking ensemble of dwarfs, trolls, and fairies. The result is a magical adventure replete with a perfect blend of fantasy, folklore, and funky high-tech gadgets. Colfer has created alcoholic, gaunt fairies, dwarfs who unhinge their jaws to ingest earth, and fairies who use profanity. Colfer's anti-hero, techno fantasy is cleverly written and filled to the brim with action, suspense, and humor.  A wonderful choice for readers of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling.–Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Preisendorfer, C. (2010). [Review of the book Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer].  Library Journals LLC. Retrieved from Bowker booksinprint.com.

• Library Uses:  I am envisioning a bulletin board with covers from all of Colfer's books to encourage students to get into the series.  Short Animoto videos promoting the books would be a great project for older elementary students.