Chapter Books for Young Readers — Review
 Jeremy in the Underworld
by Becky Citra
illustrated by Jessica Milne
Orca Book Publishers, 2006
ISBN 1-55143-466-0
$6.95, 63 pp, ages 7 – 9
www.orcabook.com
It starts in an Enchanted Theatre with a curse and a riddle that must be answered. From there, this fantasy has Jeremy and his talking cat, Aristotle, doing time travel back to the River Styx where he begins his journey into the Underworld. There are dangers around every corner as Jeremy pursues the answer to the riddle, keeping one step ahead of Hades, king of the underworld. Peopled with characters from the Greek legends and filled with the temptation of magic things such as the forbidden fruit of the dead and the pool of forgetfulness, this story is true to many of the classical aspects of myth and fairy tales. Jeremy must prove he is a hero by doing five brave deeds before he can return back to the present day. It all ends well, despite the many scary twists and turns.
The fascinating cover of this book will entice readers who love fantasy, and the book will not disappoint. Fast-paced and exciting, its many twists and turns will keep readers glued to the page to find out what happens next. Its references to Greek heroes and use of common characteristics of myths and fairy tales lend itself to making connections to other books. Easy to read at a grade two reading level, it is appropriate for readers from grade two to five. Part of the Orca Echoes series from Orca Book Publishers. For reviews of other titles in this series, please visit www.CanadianTeacherMagazine.com.
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