Peter Pan

Title: Peter Pan
Author: J. M. Barrie
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN: 0805072454

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Peter Pan is a boy who refuses to grow-up. Together with his pixie Tinkerbell he introduces the Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael, to Neverland and the joys of not growing up.

Plot Summary:
Wendy Darling loves living in the nursery with her two younger brothers, John and Michael, and telling them stories about Peter Pan. Peter listens at the window to her stories and enjoys them so much he decides to take her to Neverland to be a "mother" for him and his band of Lost Boys. He uses pixie-dust from his pixie companion Tinkerbell and the Darling's happy thoughts to teach the three children how to fly so they can get to Neverland. There they encounter Peter's arch-enemy, the evil pirate, Captain Hook, the dangerous mermaids of Mermaid Lagoon, and Princess Tiger Lily. The adventures in Neverland become increasingly dangerous as the children are captured by pirates as they try to return home to England. Peter must save them, but it might not be enough to convince them to stay with him and never grow up.


Evaluation:
The original story of Peter Pan is a far more graphic and violent tale than many of the movie portrayals. By reading the story as it was originally written, teens will see a very different story than the one the have known since they were kids.

Notes:
Numerous film adaptations of Peter Pan have been made over the years. A list can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_based_on_Peter_Pan#Film