Fablehaven

Fablehaven

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade fantasy
• Originally Published: 2006
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 700L; Ages 9-13
• Structure/Length: 19 chapters; approximately 384 pages; approximately 9 hours, 13 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Fablehaven is the first book in a fantasy series that follows the adventures of siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson, who are sent to stay with their grandparents at the mysterious Fablehaven estate. The central conflict revolves around the discovery that Fablehaven is a refuge for mythical creatures and beings; the siblings must learn to navigate this hidden world of magic, danger, and enchantment. As they uncover the secrets of Fablehaven, they become entwined in a battle to protect this sanctuary from dark forces. The novel explores general themes of bravery, family, and the magic of the unknown.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Danger; magical creatures; the battle between good and evil

Brandon Mull, Author

• Bio: American author known for his middle grade and young adult fantasy novels; celebrated for imaginative world-building and relatable characters; has authored popular series, captivated readers with richly crafted worlds and adventures, and garnered a dedicated fanbase
• Other Works: Beyonders series (2011-2013); Five Kingdoms series (2014-2016); Dragonwatch series (2017-present)
• Awards: Association for Mormon Letters Award for Young Adult Literature (2006); Nevada Young Readers’ Award (2009); Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award (2009-2010); Utah Best of State for Literary Arts—Fiction (2010)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Importance of Rules and When to Follow Them
• Subjectivity of Perception and Experience
• The Importance of Place and Boundary

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the literary and social contexts regarding fairy tales and the role of setting that impacts and structures events, motifs, and themes in the novel.
• Analyze paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Importance of Rules and When to Follow Them, Subjectivity of Perception and Experience, and The Importance of Place and Boundary.
• Conceptualize and design an original magical preserve that connects to The Importance of Rules and The Importance of Place based on text details.
• Analyze and evaluate plot, characters, and themes in the novel to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the role of the enchanted forest setting in the novel, the motif of boundaries and confinement, and other essay topics.