The Alex Rider Series, by Anthony Horowitz
About Alex Rider
The Alex Rider series is somewhat of a departure from many other books featured here-- it's not overflowing with literary content, it's definitely a bit corny at times, and it won't be winning any Printz awards any time soon. Despite this, it's a series that I highly recommend every teacher buying for their classroom.
The eponymous Alex Rider is an ordinary London schoolboy living with his uncle and housekeeper when his world is turned upside down. Alex's normally very careful uncle failed to wear his seat belt and was killed in a car accident. To Alex, however, something doesn't seem quite right. The first novel follows Alex as he attempts to investigate the real circumstances surrounding his uncle's death. Soon, Alex realizes that not only has his uncle secretly been working for MI6 throughout Alex's entire childhood, but that Alex himself is the only agent who can find out the real story behind his uncle's murder.
The plot definitely requires a heavy suspension of disbelief, but I still think it's a worthwhile investment. The series surfaces on every "reluctant reader" list, and deservedly so-- it definitely deserves a spot on the classroom bookshelf.
The eponymous Alex Rider is an ordinary London schoolboy living with his uncle and housekeeper when his world is turned upside down. Alex's normally very careful uncle failed to wear his seat belt and was killed in a car accident. To Alex, however, something doesn't seem quite right. The first novel follows Alex as he attempts to investigate the real circumstances surrounding his uncle's death. Soon, Alex realizes that not only has his uncle secretly been working for MI6 throughout Alex's entire childhood, but that Alex himself is the only agent who can find out the real story behind his uncle's murder.
The plot definitely requires a heavy suspension of disbelief, but I still think it's a worthwhile investment. The series surfaces on every "reluctant reader" list, and deservedly so-- it definitely deserves a spot on the classroom bookshelf.
How would I teach the Alex Rider series?
A few themes present in the Alex Rider series include:
- Obligations to family
- Definitions of family
- Survival
- Destiny vs. Autonomy
What resources could I use to teach the Alex Rider series?
- This interview with Anthony Horowitz features some great insight into the writing process for students. Horowitz also includes a fun descriptive writing activity in his interview.
- If I were to teach this book, I would likely use it as a starting point for writing activities. For example, the standard middle school persuasive essay could be framed within the novel-- do you think MI6 should release Alex from his duties? Was it morally right for MI6 to recruit Alex? Why or why not?
- I could also envision using the novels to frame different character perspectives. Students could be assigned diary entries writing from different perspectives-- how does Jack feel about Alex's involvement in MI6? How about Alan Blunt? Mrs. Jones?
- Basic summarization skills could also be practiced by writing from a journalistic perspective-- students could write and 'publish' a newspaper reporting on the events covered in the novel.
- The novel also includes an abundance of 'gadgets' created by Alex's friend Smithers. There is even a companion book that features the blueprints and explanations for additional gadgets. Students could propose, plan, build, and exhibit their own 'gadgets.' This would be an incredible project to collaborate upon with the
science department! Students could write proposals, work on the science-related explanations and blueprints for their projects during science class,
and write about their gadgets for English class. They could eventually write a short story featuring their gadget being used 'in the field.' Eventually, students could put their elements together to create an exhibit. - The first Alex Rider novel spawned a...less than great film. The movie could be watched to compare and contrast with the novel. Students could write letters of critique/evaluation/review to the Weinstein Company.
(Clearly, Ewan McGregor is the key redeeming factor in this film.)
The Verdict
I think this novel would do best as a class text with a 7th or 8th grade audience. However, I would absolutely feature it in any classroom library from grades 7-12. One of the most exciting things about the Alex Rider series is that there are 10 books (in addition to a film and companion books) in the series. If students enjoyed the first book, it is highly likely that they will continue past the cliffhanger endings to see what happens to Alex next.