78 pages • 2 hours read
The Tale of Despereaux
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003
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Introduction
The Tale of Despereaux
- Genre: Fiction; middle-grade fantasy/adventure
- Originally Published: 2003
- Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 670L; grades 3-6
- Structure/Length: 4 parts; 52 chapters; approximately 267 pages; approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes on audio
- Protagonist/Central Conflict: Despereaux Tilling is a small mouse with large ears, in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. The story follows his adventures as he navigates the world of the castle, including the dungeons, ultimately leading to his quest to rescue Princess Pea.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of rejection and loneliness; scenes of mild peril; cruelty toward animals; physical and verbal abuse
Kate DiCamillo, Author
- Bio: Born 1964; renowned American children’s author; work is often characterized by elements of magic and adventure; her books are widely read and have been translated into multiple languages; received numerous awards for her contribution to children’s literature; served as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature; continues to write and inspire young readers
- Other Works: Because of Winn-Dixie (2000); The Tiger Rising (2001); The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2006); Flora & Ulysses (2013)
- Awards: Newbery Medal (2004); Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature (2004)
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:
- Creating Your Own Destiny Through Storytelling
- Nonconformity and Unlikely Heroes
- The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:
