Warriors: The Rise of Scourge

Hunter, Erin. Warriors: The Rise of Scourge. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2008. ISBN 978-0-06-147867-3

Plot

This graphic novel edition of Scourge's backstory is an important part of the Warriors series. Scourge begins his life as a kitten named Tiny. He feels picked on by his siblings, Socks and Ruby. He runs away from home when he fears he is unwanted by the housefolk. He enters the forest and meets Thistleclaw, Tigerpaw, and Bluefur, members of the Thunderclan. They chase him away, and he is afraid to go home. He goes to the twolegplace, or city. To look tough, he sticks a dog tooth he found into his collar. He names himself "Scourge." He fights another dog and wins. Now the other cats fear him. When his littermates are abandoned by their housefolk and ask Scourge for help, he does not listen. He meets Tigerstar, leader of Shadowclan, and becomes a wild cat of the forest.

Critical Evaluation

The graphic novel format of this book makes the story appealing to new and returning readers of this series. The story is told with little dialog. The illustrations clearly show how Scourge changes from the kitten named Tiny to a wild adult cat. There is exciting action in the battles Scourge fights. These elements make the story fun to read and will encourage children to seek out other books in the series.

Annotations

A kitten named Tiny is bullied by his siblings. He runs away from home and faces danger. He learns to fight and becomes a warrior.

Author

Erin Hunter is the author of the Warriors series and the Seekers series. Her books portray animals in ways that show bravery, friendship, and love.

Genre

Fiction – fantasy, animals.

Curriculum Ties

Language arts

Booktalk Ideas

There is little dialog in this book, so it would be quick to read and show the first few pages of the book to a group. Then I would display chapter books and other graphic novels from the Warriors series.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Grade 4 – 6 (age 9 - 12).

Challenge Issues and Defense

There are battle scenes. The violence is portrayed through stylized action between cats.

Why is it here?

My daughter loves this series.