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.
Selling Tool:
Color Your Own Poster
Medusa Jones, By Ross Collins
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Artwork Credit: http://www.netart.us/manga-drawing-medusa-coloring-page/
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.
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.
