Medusa Jones, by Ross Collins

Collins, R. Medusa Jones. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008.
Lexile Level: 740L

Themes from the book:

1. Physical characteristics of protagonist:  

• Medusa Jones resembles Medusa from Greek mythology; she is a young girl with snakes for hair.
• The supporting characters are Mino, a minotaur, Chiron, a centaur, and Cerberus, a three-headed pet dog.

2. From whom do they seek acceptance:

• The trio of friends seek acceptance from The Champions, a group of 3 students who are classic looking and perfect. They are Theseus, Perseus and Cassandra.

3. Emotional obstacles:

• Medusa suffers from embarrassment that her hair is made of snakes.
• Medusa is envious of a woman who got a fantastic haircut fashioned to look like a monkey on a bicycle, because she realized she could never have that style in her own hair.
• Her friends feel anger towards those that bully them.

4. Physical obstacles:

• Medusa struggles to tame her hair.
• SPOILER ALERT (highlight to reveal): In a pivotal moment, it is the Champions who are revealed to not be strong enough to save themselves.

5. Types of adversity they face:

• The three friends are called freaks, and ridiculed constantly for looking the way they do.

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Medusa Jones, By Ross Collins

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Learning Activity:

Read the myth of Medusa and Athena, here: http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/greece/m-story-medusa-and-athena.htm

Compare the novel, Medusa Jones, with the myth above. Record your observations in a Venn diagram. As a group we will discuss the two stories, and any preferences for one over the other.

Learning Standard:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Learning Goal:

Students will compare Medusa Jones with The Myth of Medusa and Athena.

Learning Outcome:

Students will fill in a Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities between Medusa Jones and the Myth of Medusa and Athena.

Learning Objective:

Students will fill in a Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities between Medusa Jones and the Myth of Medusa and Athena, making reference to specific parts of the texts provided.