Bibliography
Cabot, M. (2006). Avalon high. New York: Harper Collins.
288 pages
Plot
Elaine Harrison, named after the Lady of Shallot, has moved to Annapolis, Maryland. A sophomore, Elaine spends the last of her summer break tanning in her pool and going for runs. While on a run she sees a boy, they share a glance but then continue going their separate ways. On the first day of school at Avalon High, though, Elaine sees the same boy. A. Will Wagner is a senior and the most popular boy at Avalon High is the star quarterback for the football team and the senior class president. As they become friends, Will admits to Elaine that he feels like he’s met her before in a past life. Despite their attraction, though, Will is dating Jennifer. However, when Elaine goes to a party at Will’s house, she catches Jennifer kissing Will’s best friend Lance. Suddenly, Elaine begins to notice similarities between Will and the stories about King Arthur. Is this coincidence or is it something far greater than anyone can imagine?
Review
Avalon High is a lighthearted tween fantasy/romance. While the novel is prone to clichés, the book is fast paced and offers a new light to the Arthurian legends. Cabot’s look at teenage life seems to ring true, although some of the characters do feel a bit forced, especially in Will’s step brother Marco. With Marco, Cabot seems to use stereotypes to portray her antagonist; Marco is moody, resentful, tattooed and pierced, often resorting to violence. While this helps fit the mold for the Arthurian Legend, it keeps the story from being entirely original. Ultimately, however the book works for tweens looking for an easy read with a satisfying end.
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Level/Interest Level
Avalon High would interest older tweens from 12 – 14 years old. While the main character is in high school, tweens will enjoy the fantasy and romance element. The writing style and content is appropriate for this age group.
Similar Content
For books about High School read Sarah Dessen novels, modern retellings read books by Donna Jo Napoli or Alex Flinn.
Books by the same Author
The Princess Diaries Series
Mia realizes she is the heir to the throne of a small country in Europe, but can she become the princess her family and ruling country expect her to be?
Author Webpage/Blog
http://www.megcabot.com/
Cabot, M. (2006). Avalon high. New York: Harper Collins.
288 pages
Plot
Elaine Harrison, named after the Lady of Shallot, has moved to Annapolis, Maryland. A sophomore, Elaine spends the last of her summer break tanning in her pool and going for runs. While on a run she sees a boy, they share a glance but then continue going their separate ways. On the first day of school at Avalon High, though, Elaine sees the same boy. A. Will Wagner is a senior and the most popular boy at Avalon High is the star quarterback for the football team and the senior class president. As they become friends, Will admits to Elaine that he feels like he’s met her before in a past life. Despite their attraction, though, Will is dating Jennifer. However, when Elaine goes to a party at Will’s house, she catches Jennifer kissing Will’s best friend Lance. Suddenly, Elaine begins to notice similarities between Will and the stories about King Arthur. Is this coincidence or is it something far greater than anyone can imagine?
Review
Avalon High is a lighthearted tween fantasy/romance. While the novel is prone to clichés, the book is fast paced and offers a new light to the Arthurian legends. Cabot’s look at teenage life seems to ring true, although some of the characters do feel a bit forced, especially in Will’s step brother Marco. With Marco, Cabot seems to use stereotypes to portray her antagonist; Marco is moody, resentful, tattooed and pierced, often resorting to violence. While this helps fit the mold for the Arthurian Legend, it keeps the story from being entirely original. Ultimately, however the book works for tweens looking for an easy read with a satisfying end.
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Level/Interest Level
Avalon High would interest older tweens from 12 – 14 years old. While the main character is in high school, tweens will enjoy the fantasy and romance element. The writing style and content is appropriate for this age group.
Similar Content
For books about High School read Sarah Dessen novels, modern retellings read books by Donna Jo Napoli or Alex Flinn.
Books by the same Author
The Princess Diaries Series
Mia realizes she is the heir to the throne of a small country in Europe, but can she become the princess her family and ruling country expect her to be?
Author Webpage/Blog
http://www.megcabot.com/
Personal thoughts
Quick, easy read for a modern retelling of the Arthurian Legend. Definitely for tweens who like Meg Cabot books.
Subjects/themes
Reincarnation
Myths/Fairy tale retellings
High School Life
Adolescent Relationships
Awards
TEXAS LONE STAR READING LIST
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKS FOR THE TEEN AGE
Series information
There has been a Disney Movie based upon this book and shares the same title, as well as a Manga series which serves as sequels to the novel. The Manga series, three in total, is published by Tokyo Pop and authored by Meg Cabot.
Main Character Names/Descriptions
Elaine Harrison: Main character, moved to Annapolis, Maryland and is a sophomore at Avalon High
Arthur William Wagner: Most popular Senior, class president, football
Quarterback and possible reincarnate of King Arthur
Annotation
After moving to Annapolis, Elaine begins to see connections between her life and that of the Arthurian Myths. Could this be real or just coincidence?
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