The Message (Animorphs)

The Message is the 4th book in the Animorphs series, written by K. A. Applegate.  This book would be classified as science fiction with its focus on the characters morphing themselves into animals for various reasons.  The main character, Cassie, and her group of friends have many dreams about their ability to morph and they are unsure about what these dreams and nightmares are about--are they messages to protect them or are they in danger?

                           Science Fiction

This book and the entire series would be classified as excellent science fiction based on the inability for humans to transform into animals; however, it also incorporates discussing DNA, which is a very important aspect when discussing science.  Although this story is unrealistic, The Message reminded me of cloning animals which is now realistic since Dolly the sheep was cloned way back in 1996!  In the past, cloning would have been thought of as science fiction, but as we now know, with scientific developments and advancements occurring so rapidly, each and every day, readers can relate to the story content. Furthermore, according to Literature and the Child, "Science fiction writers take the possibility of change to its ultimate extreme" (p. 221).

The Message and the prior three books in the series are geared to the higher primary grades/middle school (4th-7th) based on the content and the lack of illustrations.  The cover photo is outstanding as it shows Cassie transforming into a dolphin which occurs in the final chapter.  The uplifting and exciting conclusion will be memorable for readers as the dolphins feel Cassie is "one of them" and want her to play and dance with them and she states, "And so I did" (p. 154).   

Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction, my children read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!  I so loved hearing about their thoughts and ideas and what they feel the future will be like.  I feel this book is very effective in engaging children to think about past and current scientific advancements and how we are so fortunate because of these developments.

Class Activities:

1. While reading the book, ask the students to write down words that are unfamiliar to them.  Then, for homework, have them look up the definitions and have them share their understanding of the words with the class the next day.
2. Have students write a story about "futuristic developments" that they believe will happen in their lifetime, for example, "everyday people taking a trip to the moon!"

Other books in the Animorphs series by K. A. Applegate:

• The Invasion
• The Visitor
• The Encounter

References

Applegate, K. A. (1996). The Message. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the Child. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Inc.