McKinley, Robin. (2000). The Hero and the Crown. New York: Puffin Books. 240 pp.

Grade Range: 6-12

Genre: fantasy, science fiction, supernatural

Summary and Critique

This coming-of-age fantasy tale focuses on the frustrating childhood and heroic young adulthood of Princess Aerin. In the peaceful kingdom of Damar, Aerin, the king's daughter, is disrespected and feared because of the mysterious stories surrounding her witch-like mother, who died giving birth to Aerin. Without the usual maintenance provided a royal family member, Aerin decides to choose her own path in the world. While growing up, she must learn to become an independent thinker and learner. Using only the support from her best friend, Tor, and the assistance from her maid, Teka, Aerin learns to train and ride a horse, sword-fight, and combat small dragons. After her rough-and-tumble adolescence, Aerin journeys alone to seek her great destiny that lies in hostile territory—the Northland. Throughout the following journey, she is forced to confront her own fears, strengths, and abilities. After nearly dying from slaying Maur, the great Black Dragon, Aerin seeks respite from a great mage (healer), Luthe. She then sets off on her fated mission to encounter the embodiment of evil: her uncle. Aerin returns home victorious, only to find Damar besieged by invaders. The kingdom and future is now in her hands.

Reading this fantasy is immensely rewarding. Reversing the gender stereotypes from "Dungeons & Dragons" type tales, Aerin, an awkward but brave young woman becomes the hero. Students—both male and female—will enjoy as well as relate to the growing pains of childhood and young adulthood. With McKinley's engrossing narrative and fascinating descriptions, any reader will have an opportunity to allow his or her imagination to run wild. Although a fantasy, students will be able to sympathize and empathize with various situations in Aerin's coming-of-age adventure.

Awards

Winner of the Newberry Medal

An ALA Notable Book

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Themes/Topics

Families

Friends and Enemies

Generations

Challenges and Triumphs

The Individual vs. Society

Adventure

War and Peace

Author Information

Robin McKinley currently resides in southern England and is married to English author Peter Dickinson. She won the 1985 Newberry Medal for The Hero and the Crown, and her book The Blue Sword is a 1983 Newberry Honor Book.

For more information on Robin McKinley:

http://www.robinmckinley.com/ McKinley's official home page.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/authors/Robin_McKinley.htm Bibliography of McKinley's work.

Media Connections

Movies

The Hobbit (1977) Animated film adaptation of Tolkien's novel. Bilbo Baggins must find the courage to help retrieve treasure from a dragon.

Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003) Frodo Baggins must return a magical ring to the fiery earth in order save Middle Earth.

Willow (1988) A simple farmer finds a baby and must return her to her native land as well as save her from an evil queen.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) A farm boy and his new rebel friends attempt to prevent the evil Darth Vader from ruling the universe.

Harry Potter series (2001, 2002, 2004) A young wizard fights evil forces at his school.

Online Resources

http://www.magicdragon.com/UltimateSF/SF-Index.html Ultimate Science Fiction Web Guide.

http://sf.www.lysator.liu.se/sf_archive/sf-texts/SF_resource_guide/ is the Science Fiction Resource Guide homepage chock full of information on authors, books, news, and links.

http://www.sff.net A large science fiction/fantasy website dedicated to book/author news and information, chat groups, clubs, store, and newsgroups.

http://www.draconian.com/ Extensive information about dragons.

Related Texts

McKinley, Robin. (1983). The Blue Sword. New York: Greenwillow Books. 272pp. After being kidnapped by a king, an orphan must accept her new life as a soldier with magical powers. A Newbery Honor Book.

McKillip, Patricia A. (1999). Riddle-Master: The Complete Trilogy. New York: Ace Books. 578pp. A prince travels to unknown but magical kingdoms.

Smith, Sherwood. (1997). Crown Duel. San Diego: Harcourt, Brace, and Co. 214pp. A brother and sister of noble blood attempt to save their people from oppression.

Tokien, J.R.R. (1938). The Hobbit. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 310pp. Bilbo Baggins must find the courage to help retrieve treasure from a dragon.

Tolkien, J.R.R. (1954). The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. London: Allen and Unwin. Frodo Baggins must return a magical ring to the fiery earth in order save Middle Earth.

Teaching Ideas

(1) "Portrait Collage" Ask students to search newspapers and magazines (either their own or teacher provided) for pictures, words, or sentences that describe each character. This can be done during the teaching of the book, or after it is completed. Then, either in class or at home, students mount the cutouts for each character on a separate sheet of paper (construction paper preferable). On the back they write why they have chosen these specific items and how they relate to the character. The students can then present their creations, and the class can guess which character the various collages represent.

(2) "Letter to the Editor" Tell students that some people do not believe The Hero and the Crown is an appropriate book for students. Ask them to either agree or disagree with this assertion by writing a letter to a major national magazine. They should explain the value or drawback of using this book in the classroom. For either argument, the students should go beyond the superficial interpretation of the text.

(3) "Creative writing" After finishing the book, ask students to continue the story using their imagination as to what may happen next to Aerin, Tor, and Damar. Length is optional, but the students should be encouraged to write in the realistic fantasy style that McKinley uses. If a student so chooses, they can continue writing their novel continuation for future writing assignments (the teacher may reward as he/she sees fit).

(4) "Shield creation" Have students create a shield of one of the major characters. They can use poster board, cardboard, wood, aluminum foil, or whatever materials they have at their disposal. The shield should represent their character through symbols, scenes from the book, quotes by the character, and physical description. When the shields are finished, each student can present their shield to the class.

(Review written by Adam Robinson and edited by Jennifer E. Moore)