Frankenstein (Classic Starts Series) [Abridged] [Hardcover]

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (Author), Deanna McFadden (Editor), Jamel Akib (Illustrator), Arthur Pober Ed.D (Afterword)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Mary Shelley’s tragic story of a scientist who created a monster is perhaps even more compelling and meaningful today than when it was written nearly two centuries ago. From the bits and pieces of dead bodies, and the power of electricity, the brilliant Victor Frankenstein fashions a new form of life—only to discover, too late, the irreparable damage he has caused.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7-Large print, short chapters, and an abundance of white space provide an attractive, more-accessible option for readers who are not ready to handle the originals. At best, this approach works as a vehicle to deliver the basic elements of the stories while providing an entertaining, simplified version of the classic at a lower reading level. After all, many of our cultural references would be lost on readers who don't know what Jekyll and Hyde represent, or what consequences the creator of Frankenstein faced. At worst, the sometimes-stilted language reads like awkward translations. What is missing, of course, is the very language that makes these classics so evocative of their time. Victorian London, for example, is captured so much more readily with the elegant and dramatic prose of Robert Louis Stevenson. If presenting Classic Starts, do so with a recommendation: when you are ready, read the originals. There can be no substitute.-Elizabeth Fernandez, Brunswick Middle School, Greenwich, CT
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; Abridged edition (March 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140272666X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402726668
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,535 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Obsessions > Monsters
  • #78 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Authors, A-Z

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, December 27, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Frankenstein (Classic Starts Series) (Hardcover)

I am an 8 year old boy who read this book & I finished it in a whole week.The book was told by the letters of Captain Robert Walton. Walton meets Victor Frankenstein who was sooner or later going to marry his adopted sister Elizabeth. Frankenstein goes to university and learns about science. He wants to make a man for his project. After it came to life Frankenstein was afraid of it. He thinks it is a monster. In a couple of months his best friend, Henry joins the university. Frankenstein was worried that Henry would be afraid of the monster and not like Victor anymore. Soon,Frankenstein receives a letter saying his brother William was dead. Frankenstein soon goes back home. Elizabeth's friend, Justine went to prison because everyone thought she did it except for Victor & Elizabeth. Victor finds the monster in the exact spot he killed William. The monster tells about his life and also tells him he wanted a wife. Frankenstein got married to Elizabeth. Soon,the monster kills Elizabeth because he didn't make his wife. Soon he goes on trial for finding out who killed his dear friend,Henry. Frankenstein went to prison guilty,but the judge knew it was not him. His father also comes to visit him. Soon he comes out of jail. He sees Captain Robert Walton again
and he dies.

Classic Starts is a nice way for children to experience classic stories.

If you want a story that has lots of violence. Get this today!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A modern retelling of the classic that retains the power of the original, February 10, 2008

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Frankenstein (Classic Starts Series) (Hardcover)

In my opinion, the classics should be read in their original form. However, if that is not possible, then, as long as they are done right, reading an adaptation is acceptable. This retelling of the classic tale by Shelley captures the terror of science gone wrong, the primary message of the original story. It would be an effective literary counterweight if it were to be read either before or after the movie was shown in class.
This is not the original story; it has been rewritten to appeal to modern young readers while retaining all the original structure of the original. Sterling publishing has successfully accomplished that goal, and they are to be commended for that.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars pce student review, April 27, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Frankenstein (Classic Starts Series) (Hardcover)

Frankenstein was a great book. My favorite scene was when the creator was in his lab and Frankenstein was saying (if you don't finish Mrs. Frankenstein I will harm you and your family.) My favorite character was the creator because he was mysterious and crazy and didn't know what to do or say. From what I read I think the moral of the story was be careful what you create.

I love this book because it was different and unusual. Also because it's a mystery and those books get into your head; like everything in the book is happening in real life, and the tension rises in your stomach. This book is good for ages 10 and up. This is one of those books that you should read before you die.