​

.

Novel Review:   Essay Criteria (approximately. 250 - 350 words)

 

Introductory Paragraph:  Engage the reader with an interesting introduction that describes one of the following:

 

• Visual imagery

Lush moss covered old growth trees line many of the hiking trails that wind between the rugged mountains in British Columbia. 

​

• Exciting or incredible event

Imagine the feeling of hopelessness and despair, knowing that you are lost and injured in the rugged mountain wilderness of British Columbia; you are all alone, and hungry.​

​​

• Historical significance (setting and time period)

In 1910, many hunting cabins were built throughout British Columbia.

​

• Rhetorical question (a question that doesn't require an answer)

What would you do if you found a long lost treasure map?

​

• Powerful character quote

" I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees."

 

Also include:

• Title of book

• Name of author and illustrator

 

Main Body of Essay:  (5  paragraphs)

 

One or two paragraphs

​

Summary of the Main Problem:  The solution to the problem can be in the second paragraph if the problem is introduced in the first paragraph, otherwise write about the main problem/conflict in the novel and the solution.

 

Paragraph

 

Describe the setting:  Include one quote from the novel that describes an important setting.

 

Paragraph

​

Character development and main character’s importance to story:  Include one quote from the novel that best describes the main character and his/her importance to the story.

 

Paragraph

​

Author’s style: point of view, sequence of events, time frame, use of stylistic elements e.g. similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia.  Include one quote for your favourite stylistic element.

​

Paragraph

​

Strong Conclusion that wraps up key points:

 

• Write about one important theme or message in the novel e.g. we learn more when we leave our comfort zone and take chances in life.  Include one quote from the novel that supports the message or theme.

• Include your opinion of the book. Did you like it? Why or why not?  Would you recommend it?

 

Please Note:  Do not borrow phrases from the back of the book cover

 

Your novel review must be word processed, double spaced, using 12 point font, in One Note ClassNote book (approximately. 250- 350 words)   Please double space between each paragraph.

 

 

When you describe things that are happening in a story, you must write in the present tense. (except for direct quotes)

 

 

Over The Edge Of Quilchena Mountain

By Eileen Over

​

Imagine the feeling of hopelessness and despair, knowing that you are lost and injured in the rugged mountain wilderness of British Columbia; you are all alone, and hungry.  In “Over the Edge of Quilchena Mountain,” by Eileen Over, the main character, Thurston, gets lost during a snowstorm in the Quilchena Mountains.  He is on his way up to visit a good friend when he becomes disorientated and wanders off the trail. 

 

After countless hours, he stumbles upon an abandoned log cabin deep in the heart of the woods.  "Antlers and animal skins hung on the outside walls near the front door, which was partly open to reveal a creepy darkness."  He goes inside the cabin to find shelter from the pounding rain and wind. Luckily, there is a small wood stove and some dry wood.  He finds a crusty old photo album and a trail map under rotting floorboards. 

 

The map marks all of the old gold mine sites on Quilchena Mountain.  As he follows the trial map to civilization, he finds the long forgotten gold mine marked on the map.  He discovers that the prospecting rights to the mine were stolen by his great grandfather in 1856.  If he reveals the location of the mine, he also risks disclosing a terrible family secret. He decides to burn the  map to protect his family's name. Even though his family could have used the money to help his dad's failing business, Thurston decides that "there are more important things than money."

 

The author does an excellent job developing the main character, Thurston.  In the first  chapter, Thurston is described as “tall, lanky, with sandy blond hair, and a pleasant face, eager for adventure.”  The author uses a powerful analogy, “snow was falling like a million tiny crystals from the sky,” and “the ominous clouds rolled across the sky like mischievous children rolling down a hill in springtime.” Her use of figurative language helps bring the story alive for the reader.

 

The author’s message is very clear;  family is more important than money.  When Thurston falls into the snow well beside the tree, the memory of his mother gives him the strength to stay awake, “If my mother were here right now, she’d tuck me in with a thick blanket of new-fallen snow and sing to me softly.  I can hear her voice whisper through the tree branches.”  If you want to read a great adventure book, I recommend Over the Edge of Quilchena Mountain.  It might inspire you to explore the great outdoors.