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Brandi Meineke, Collection Development Specialist
9/28/2011 11:08:20 AM
Ever wonder how Peter Pan came to be on Never Land? Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson answer that question in this magical adventure. This is not only the tale of how Peter and the Lost Boys came to the island of Never Land, but also of how Never Land became enchanted. The origin stories of Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, the mermaids of the lagoon, and the Hook-hungry crocodile are all included in this fast-paced adventure.
Peter starts this story as an orphan being shipped from England to a mysterious land called Rundoon. All that is known of Rundoon is that orphan boys are often sent there but never return. There are 4 other boys from the orphanage on the boat with him, later to become the lost boys. Peter is their leader due to false claims that he is the oldest. Peter is a good leader, despite his deceit in gaining this position. The food they are being served is spoiled and made of garbage. In an attempt to get edible food and possible escape from the unknown fate awaiting them at Rundoon, Peter begins exploring the ship at night. It is during one of these nocturnal outings that Peter meets a strange girl who seems to be talking to a porpoise. Thus starts an immediate friendship with Molly Aster, a young Starcatcher.
Peter and Molly have a very humorous negotiation about which of them older, ending with them agreeing to both be 14. Middle school readers can relate to this need to be older and more responsible. Eventually Molly shares her trouble with Peter. Aboard this ship is a trunk full of a magical substance that falls from the heavens. This substance is called Starstuff and the briefest exposure causes temporary powers, such as flight or super strength. Molly warns Peter that too much exposure could literally burn him up. Molly continues to explain that she and her whole family are part of a group called the Starcatchers. They collect the starstuff and return it to the sky, to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands.
Several “wrong hands” are aboard the ship with the children. Molly’s father was certain that the starstuff was elsewhere, so he is across the ocean on a wild goose chase for it. Luckily Molly speaks porpoise and has sent word to her father with the help of a flippered friend. Unfortunately Pirates attack and the ship breaks apart in a storm long before her father can reach them. Molly, Peter, the 4 lost boys, and the trunk full of starstuff all land on a tropical island full of more adventures. An island that is being changed by the magic of the starstuff, turning fish into mermaids and giving large, hungry crocodiles keen intelligence.
While on the island the children must protect each other and the precious starstuff from many dangers. Pirates, natives, and mercenaries from Rundoon all make attempts to obtain this valuable substance. Peter is brave and kind through it all. He often solves the problem by making friends with his enemies, as in the case with the natives and the mermaids. When friendship fails, he relies on his allies and well thought out tactics. The two words that best describe Peter are integrity and bravery.
Fantasy and adventure lovers will be sure to enjoy this novel. There are two sequels that follow this story, but are still chronologically before the original: Peter And The Shadow Thieves and Peter And The Secret Of Rundoon. The fast-paced action will be sure to keep readers engaged and eager to read more. Those who loved the classic Peter Pan will love discovering how this magical world came to be. Reading the original novel is not necessary, but some familiarity with the story would benefit most readers. Teachers may use it in conjunction with a movie version or the play. Another possible classroom use would be to have students write their own origin story for a classic tale. Older readers who like this new take on an old tale may also enjoy Wicked by Gregory Maguire.
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