Engdahl, S. (1970). Enchantress from the stars. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Genre: Science Fiction
Interest Level: Ages 11 & up
Subjects/Themes: Space Travel; Point of View; Colonization
Plot: Elana, Georyn and Jarel are each from a different civilization. Georyn lives in a medival style world that believes in magic and dragons. Georyn’s civilization is considered “young” by Elana’s people and aren’t even considered human by Jarel’s. Jarel’s people believe only in technology and travel throughout space looking for new resources. They have just landed on Georyn’s planet intending to move all the native people out of the way and colonize it with their own. Sneaking onboard her father’s ship in order to visit Georyn’s world, Elana must help in a mission to save Georyn’s world from being taken over by Jarel’s people. Only no one can find out who she really is or why she’s there. If they ever did the consequences could be endless.
Sequel: The far side of evil (1971). An older teen or adult reading audience is suggested for the sequel by the author on her website.
Personal Thoughts: This is a very hard book to start reading. Elana’s dialogue can be a little long winded and seemingly pointless to the story at times. If you can make it pass the first chapter or two, then the story becomes more interesting and the characters more “real.” Georyn’s part in the story reads more easily and similar to an old fashion fairy tale. Personally I was disappointed in Elana’s ability to act seriously considering the circumstances and her background. Elana is more of a “youngling” while Georyn is regularly “wise” and understanding of his situation. Readers will feel Jarel’s compassion and frustration in the story and his desire to make a difference, no matter how small. The story highlights how differently people can view a situation based on what they are familiar with. A good book for older tween and teen readers, the story provides multiple opportunities to discuss issues of colonization, reasons for different viewpoints, and responsibility.
Awards:
Newberry Honor Book (1971)
Children’s Literature Association Phoenix Award (1990)
Other Books by Author: Children of the star (2000)
Author’s Website: http://www.sylviaengdahl.com/index.htm
Similar Materials: My teacher is an alien by Bruce Coville (1989); The house of scorpion by Nancy Farmer (2002).
Note: A copy of this blog entry can also be found at https://tweenscifi.wordpress.com/ as part of my contributrion to a group collection of Notable Science Fiction titles for Tweens created for a LIBR 264 genre project.
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