Artemis Fowl

Colfer, Eoin. Artemis Fowl. Hyperion Books for Children; 2001. ISBN: 0786808012.

Plot Summary:
Artemis Fowl is a twelve year old genius. This is interesting, but not extraordinary. Artemis' father is a criminal mastermind and the family is fabulously wealthy allowing Artemis to use his genius in far reaching ways. Now things are getting intriguing. Artemis' bodyguard and father figure, Butler and his family have served the Fowls for many generations. For the past year Artemis' father has been missing. This has left his mother bedridden and unable to cope with reality. Basically, he is on his own with access to money, technology and information. While most tweens are waiting for the next release of the newest popular video game, Artemis is planning to steal the fairy 'Book' and crack it's code to get his hands on a fortune of gold. Of course, there are people, in this case leprechauns who try and foil the best laid criminal plans. But, beware, sometimes you need your enemy and they end up being your friend.

Critical Evaluation:
Eoin Colfer is one of Ireland most prolific modern authors. The Artemis Fowl series is wildly popular with seven books in the series, a companion book, The Artemis Fowl Files, and books 1 and 2 have been made into graphic novels. The lure of Artemis is the power and ability to effect the world as a twelve year old and to have adults do as you bid.
Written in third person, the reader is never far from the action. Even though we can't hear Artemis' thoughts, we get to know him well enough to understand that even a rich, power driven criminal mastermind acts like a twelve year occasionally. Character development is one of the author's strengths. This book is populated with many characters that are pure fantasy; fairies, leprechauns, dirt creatures, and a mix of interesting humans as well. Artemis' life isn't all genius and power. He has problems at home with his mother and unresolved issues with his missing father. Reality mixes with fantasy in a way that makes you take a second look at that ray of light next to the oak tree.

Reader's Annotation:
The human world intersects with the fairy world. This was no accident, it was a well thought out plan by an unusual twelve year old boy.

Information About the Author:
Eoin Colfer is an extremely accomplished author. He has written many books and co-wrote a play called, Lords of Love. His most popular character, Artemis Fowl has been the inspiration for a music video and other original music. The author was a primary school teacher until the publication of the first Artemis Fowl book in 2001. Not long after, Eoin Colfer resigned from teaching and began writing full time.
The seventh book in the series, The Atlantis Complex, was just released in August. To accompany the publication, Eoin Colfer and Artemis Fowl are touring with, The Artemis Rocks Tour-U.S. and Canada. It is exciting to see the audience interacting with the story and author beyond the reading of the book.

Genre:
Fantasy/Faerie

Curriculum Ties:
Problem solving, use of technology.

Booktalking Ideas:
A twelve year old genius has access to money, power, and the world.
Fairy world.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
Grade 6+

Challenge Issues:
N/A

Why Book Included:
I enjoy adventure stories and I believe in faeries! This book also fills a need in the collection for lower reading levels.