IEP - Writing - University Prep

Jules Verne's classic science fiction fantasy carries its hero--Professor Aronnax of the Museum of Paris--on a thrilling and dangerous journey far below the waves to see what creatures live in the ocean's depths. In the process, Verne imagined a vessel that had not yet been invented: the submarine.

"We said there was no home like a raft. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery...but you feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft." Sail down the Mississippi with Huck Finn and the runaway slave, Jim. Twain's beloved tale, with its folksy language, creates an indelible image of antebellum America with its sleepy river towns, con men, family feuds, and a variety of colorful characters.

He robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, and had escapades enough to please any adventure-loving student. Enter Sherwood Forest with Robin's band of merry men, and meet such unforgettable characters as Friar Tuck, Little John, Allan-a-Dale, the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham, and wicked King John. Every moment of the story is filled with action and excitement.

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.

Through the eyes of Lemuel Gulliver, Swift's unforgettable satire takes readers into worlds formerly unimagined. Visit four strange and remarkable lands: Lilliput, where Gulliver seems a giant among a race of tiny people; Brobdingnag, the opposite, where the natives are giants and Gulliver puny; the ruined yet magical country of Laputa; and the home of the Houyhnhnms, gentle horses far superior to the ugly humanoid Yahoos who share their universe.

Poor Sara Crewe. Once upon a time her beloved father pampered and adored her. But ever since he died, leaving her alone and penniless, she's been caught in the cruel clutches of Miss Minchin, the headmistress at the Select Seminary for Young Ladies, where Sara once studied. But no matter how terrible things get, Sara always has her imagination and goodness of heart to carry her through. This timeless tale of a poor orphan has won hearts for a century--and continues to be a favorite.

Dickens' timeless novel transports young readers to a colorful Victorian England filled with mistreated orphans, grim workhouses, and gangs of thieving children. The hero finds himself in dire circumstances after he dares to beg for more food in the orphanage. Determined to make his way in the world, he escapes to London, where he becomes involved with criminals...and finally finds a real home.

A searing tale of fear and courage, set during the Civil War, but more powerful today than ever. A young man enlists in the Union Army, but nervously wonders how he will react to the blood, violence, and death of a real battle. When that terrible day arrives, he flees the fighting in terror. But his cowardly behavior gnaws at his conscience, and he searches for redemption for what he has done.

A shipwreck. A sole survivor, stranded on a deserted island. What could be more appealing to children than Robinson Crusoe's amazing adventure? Set in the 17th century, and unfolding over a 30-year period, it offers plenty of suspense and everyday detail about how Crusoe manages to stay alive. Additionally, it paints a fascinating portrait of the age--including references to slavery and Europe's view of the "New World."

From the sword in the stone and the founding of Camelot to the famed Round Table and the Lake of Enchantment, the legend of King Arthur will never lose its magic. Though simpler, this version includes all the wonderful stories--such as King Arthur's winning of Guenievere and Merlin's tragic downfall at the hands of the evil Vivien.

A single person--but with two personalities: one that's noble and kind and another that's pure, repulsive evil. Robert Louis Stevenson's engrossing masterpiece about the dual nature of man--and a good doctor whose thirst for knowledge has tragic consequences--serves up all the suspense and satisfying chills one expects from the best horror and science fiction.

All for one and one for all! That's the rallying cry of the Musketeers--guards of the French King--and the call to adventure for young readers enjoying their first taste of Dumas' classic swashbuckler. Aramis, Athos, Porthos, and the not-quite-yet Musketeer D'Artagnan use their wits and their swords to battle an evil Cardinal, the traitorous Milady, and other enemies of the French court.

Pirates, buried treasure, and action aplenty--that's what's served up in this fine story, mates. After Jim Hawkins finds the map to a mysterious treasure, he sets sail in search of the fortune. Little does he realize he's boarded a pirate ship, and that surprises and danger await him . . . including a meeting with the unforgettable Long John Silver.

Half wolf, half dog, White Fang fully understands the cruelty of both nature and humans. After nearly starving to death during the frigid Arctic winter, he's taken in first by a man who "trains" him through constant whippings, and then by another who forces him to participate in vicious dogfights. Follow White Fang as he overcomes these obstacles and finally meets someone who offers him kindness and love.