Two intrepid librarians

Two intrepid librarians review the best nonfiction books for children

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein
by Linda Bailey; Illustrated by Julia Sarda
tundra books. 2018
Grades 4 up

Mary Shelley was only eighteen when she wrote Frankenstein. First published anonymously in 1818, Shelley’s name would appear on the second edition published in 1823.

Bailey focuses this picture book biography on “the story-behind-the-story;” on Mary Shelley and how this horror & science fiction novel came to be written.

"How does a story begin? Sometimes it begins with a dream."

Complementing the engaging text are Sarda’s gothic-type illustrations rendered digitally and in watercolor. Using dark tones, her art creates a sense of brooding and mystery. 

A perfect book to use to highlight a remarkable woman whose perseverance created a classic piece of literature.

Back matter includes a lengthy, very interesting author’s note, and source notes.

May I also recommend those interested in Mary Shelley, read, “The Strange and Twisted Life of “Frankenstein”” by Jill Lepore in the February 12 & 19 issue of The New Yorker Magazine. (available at your local public library, either in print, or possibly, digitally)

P.S. There is no invented dialogue in this book! Yeah!

To pen this review, I borrowed a copy of the book from my local public library. 

No comments:

Post a Comment