The Chronicles of Egg: Deadweather and Sunrise

Title: The Chronicles of Egg: Deadweather and Sunrise

Au

Author: Geoff Rodkey

Publisher:

Publication Year: 2012

Professional Source: Kent County Library

Genre (subcategory, if appropriate): Historical Fiction (for children)

Audience: Children

Awards: None

Critical response:

In this story set during the time of pirates thirteen-year-old-Egbert is on the run from a wealthy and powerful villain trying to kill him for his connection to a hidden treasure. It fits very snuggly into the adventure category, focusing on long journeys and evading peril.

Egbert stands as a relatable character for young readers struggling to find themselves and be satisfied with who they are as people. Egbert struggles with the knowledge that he is not “high-born, or rich, or brave, or strong, or even smart—none of those things that made the characters in the novels and the people in the history books so special.” (13) As the story continues, this turns into an ironic statement since Egbert displays many of those traits in various situations. His life is put on the line, so Egbert learns to adapt and he becomes brave, strong, and uses his wits to escape situations. Egbert’s character shows kids that they don’t have to be “high-born” or gifted with lots of money to do great things.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the vibrant characters and pacing of the book. There is something familiar about the pirates and the way that they speak, dress, and act and the familiarity . The author capitalizes on this by modifying the dialogue of the pirates to make them sound they way that readers expect them to in their heads. For example, Egbert’s father as he gives directions to a nearby island: “Wot ye mean? Head down to the Scrath, ‘op a boat, east nor’east…cath the wind right, be there in three hours. ‘At’s roundabout, seems to me.” (5)