Over Sea, Under Stone

 

A. Bibliographic Data

Cooper, Susan. 2023-Reprint. OVER SEA, UNDER STONE (THE DARK IS RISING).   

   Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 1665932910

B. Summary

Three siblings embark on an epic quest for a mythic grail in this first installment of Susan Cooper’s epic and award-winning The Dark Is Rising Sequence, now with a brand-new look!

All through time, the two great forces of Light and Dark have battled for control of the world. Now, after centuries of balance, the Dark is summoning its terrifying forces to rise once more…and three children find themselves caught in the conflict.

The Drew siblings—Simon, Jane, and Barney—are on a family holiday in Cornwall when they discover an ancient map in the attic of the house, they are sharing with their Great Uncle Merry. They know immediately that the map is special but have no way of knowing how much. For the map leads to a grail: a vital weapon for Light’s fight against evil. In taking on the quest to find the grail, the Drews will have to race against the sinister human beings who serve the dreadful power of the dark—an adventure that puts their own lives in grave peril.

C. Critical Analysis

I chose this book from the beginning because of the interesting cover and because of the tale of 3 siblings going on an adventure. It makes me think of my brothers and I as kids going on “adventures” and creating mysteries. This is the first of 5 books, and I can’t wait to read the rest of them.

If you like Celtic Mythology and/or King Arthur stories you will enjoy this book. The relationship the siblings have is relatable, and the setting is very detailed so that the Cornish seaside town is one you can picture even if you have never seen/been there.

The heart of the story is about a treasure hunt in which the children and their uncle must solve puzzles to find an extremely important item. A story of teamwork and support helps them complete their quest, and along the way have a wonderful adventure.

D.  Book Reviews

"Beautifully told...superbly written." -- "New York Times" on The Dark Is Rising Sequence

 Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and five shortlists for the Carnegie Medal.

E. Connections

 Rise to Reading offers numerous comprehension questions that can be used during book discussions.

Create your own treasure hunt story.

Vocabulary study- list of words.