Zathura By: Chris Van Allsburg (Modern Fantasy)

Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg, is a modern fantasy fiction book. Also the author of Jumanji, Chris Van Allsburg has the same idea in mind with the story of Zathura. Two brothers, Danny and Walter are always bickering and fighting with one another. Walter, the older brother, is tired of Danny always being in the way and breaking his things. One day while outside playing, Danny and Walter were wrestling and Walter had Danny pinned down. Danny spotted a game that said "Jumanji." He asked his older brother Walter what the game was, and Walter simply said it was game for babies like him. Danny tucked the game under his arm and took it inside with him. When their parents decide to go out one night and leave the boys at home alone, Walter is less than thrilled to be at home watching his younger brother. While Walter is busy watching TV, Danny takes out the board game and finds that there are in fact two games in the box. He pulls out the other game which is called Zathura. He rolls the dice and begins to the read the directions, when everythings starts to change. Little did they know they were in for an outer space adventure. Much like Jumanji, this board game brought outerspace to life for these two boys. Having to work together to complete the game and keep themselves safe from getting lost in outerspace, brings them closer together as brothers and teaches Walter a big lesson. He realizes how important his brother is and how much he loves him, and from then on never complains about having to spend time or play with him. I loved this story, especially the end! It was an exciting yet inspiring story. The pictures were amazing as well. It was as if you were right in the story yourself. I think this would be a great book to read with students and explain the importance of not taking things or people for granted. It has great morals behind it but is also a fun and exciting book.