Valerie Estelle Frankel Knihy

Miss Eustacia Louisa Stout is most distressed to find a headless corpse on her doorstep, without so much as a calling card! She flies to the terribly decorated flat of the painfully inept detective Hemlock Scones, and volunteers to accompany him on his equally inept inquiries. Along with Presto the Magician, Bongo the Clown, a mongoose with an elaborate backstory, Dashing Man (who always seems conveniently absent), and their troop of semi-competent Victorian superheroes, they begin cleaning up London's streets. Will the nefarious schemes of Doctor Cephalopod prove too much for them? Will aethyric London fall? Or at least not turn into a raging automaton? Forget all you know about steampunk superhero detective parodies and prepare for the silliness!

Exploring the evolution of villains in popular culture, this analysis highlights how complex character arcs have emerged in epic series such as Star Wars and Game of Thrones. It examines the growing trend of origin stories in films like Wicked and Maleficent, showcasing a shift towards understanding the motivations behind these often misunderstood characters. By delving into these narratives, the book reveals the rich layers that can transform a villain into a compelling figure, challenging traditional notions of good and evil.

Exploring the evolution of the hero's journey in the Star Wars saga, this book examines over 20 characters, highlighting diverse narratives across the films. It delves into Anakin's villain arc, Leia and Padme's emergence as independent figures, and the heroine's journey represented by Rey and Jyn. The original trio transitions into mentorship roles, while the Mandalorian's transformation from warrior to patriarch offers a fresh perspective on the quest. The analysis reveals how various characters embody and reinterpret classic storytelling patterns across different ages and backgrounds.

Set in the whimsical town of Chelm, known for its humorous and foolish antics, this collection features clever Jewish holiday stories tailored for middle grade readers. The tales highlight the quirky characters and their amusing misunderstandings, showcasing themes of tradition, community, and the joy of celebrating holidays with a lighthearted twist. Each story invites readers into a world where laughter and wisdom intertwine, making it an engaging read for young audiences.

The book delves into the universal heroine's journey, challenging traditional views of female characters as passive figures. By examining diverse myths from cultures like Chile and Vietnam, it highlights heroines who confront their dark sides in a quest for safety and identity. The narrative reveals that true empowerment comes after these battles, allowing heroines to emerge as wise figures, protectors, and influential leaders. This exploration redefines the archetype of the heroine, showcasing her strength and complexity.

"Bringing details from myths, herbal guides, military histories, and the classics, English professor and award-winning pop culture author Valerie Estelle Frankel sheds light on the deeper meanings behind Panem's heroes and villains in this hottest of YA trilogies."--Page 4 of cover.

With vampires, fairies, angels, romance, steampunk, and modern New York all in one series, Cassandra Clare is exploding onto the scene. This book explores the deeper world of the Shadowhunters: . Parabatai, Nephilim, blessings, and runes . Lucifer, Ithuriel, Lilith, Agramon, and other angels and demons . Ancient legends of werewolves, vampires, and fairyfolk . Clare's clever Easter eggs from pop culture and literature . The classic heroine's journey .Muslim angels, Hindu prayers, the Jewish Book of Raziel, and the Christian Grail There's something for everyone, as this book reveals unseen lore within the bestselling series. Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of two books on the heroine's journey, along with books on the Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games. Valerie lives (and writes!) in Sunnyvale, California.

Katniss is the heroine who's changed the world. Like Harry Potter, she's gotten kids and teens reading. And like Harry, she explodes across genres: She is a dystopian heroine, a warrior woman, a reality TV star, a rebellious adolescent. She's surrounded by the figures of Roman history, from Caesar and Cato to Cinna and Coriolanus Snow. She's also traveling the classic heroine's journey. As a child soldier, she faces trauma; as a growing teen, she battles through love triangles and the struggle to be good in a harsh world. This book explores all this and more, while taking a look at the series' symbolism, from food to storytelling, to show how Katniss becomes the greatest power of Panem, the girl on fire. For all the essays and book reports kids write on The Hunger Games, for all the curious fans who want to know who "Cinna" and "Plutarch" were historically, for all the kids confused about the trilogy's ending, for all the fascinated teachers and scholars, this book will be an invaluable resource. Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of two books on the heroine's journey, along with books on the Harry Potter series. Her book exploring the popular series of books, The Mortal Instruments, is being published soon by Zossima Press (Myths and Motifs in The Instruments). Valerie lives (and writes ) in Sunnyvale, California.

The book explores the diverse representations of womanhood through four iconic characters: Wonder Woman embodies the superheroine archetype, Harley Quinn reflects the complexities of an abuse victim, Shuri represents the modern, empowered princess of the fourth wave, and Black Widow showcases the cunning and resilience of a spy. Each character offers a unique lens on female strength, vulnerability, and empowerment, highlighting the multifaceted nature of women's experiences in contemporary narratives.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of real-world myths and legends, this narrative explores the lives of demon-slaying teens known as Shadowhunters. Their adventures are steeped in angelic runes and biblical references, featuring beings like Lilith and Asmodeus, alongside elements from the Qur'an and mystical texts. The story also incorporates global folklore, presenting a diverse array of magical creatures. Readers are invited to delve into classic literature and ancient texts, uncovering the profound truths that underpin the Shadowhunters' universe.