2. Anyone can become a demon This is the premise that Mammon was built on Grace and Joe Callahan develop supernatural abilities and learn that they are descended from an ancient order of mercenaries called the sarsareh Today I’ll explain the evolution of Mammon and how to use the text to engage reluctant readers (mainly boys…but also girls!)
3. A new take on demons Mammon stems from my interest in the following topics: Philosophy Criminology The metaphysical world I wanted to create a new way of looking at demons, with the underlying idea that it’s up to us – the human race – to determine our future (will we choose good, or evil?)
4. The high demon However, I knew that the story would take on new dimensions if there was an otherworldly villain Why not mix things up a little? Hence, the Ferryman, the rift and the high demon, Mammon That’s Mr Jones to everyone else!
5. Writing for both genders I wanted to cater for girls and boys in my writing I had a good idea of how to tailor the book for girls by producing a strong protagonist, an unfolding romance and the fantasy element I knew that boys would want particular things too…
6. what boys like to read I surveyed my Year 10 English class, and the answer came back time and time again. The majority of boys liked the following types of stories: ACTION HORROR WAR FANTASY/SCI FI
7. Boys like bookS that are: action based shown from multiple perspectives edgy or controversial full of powerful or positive ideas (Smith and Wilhelm, 2002, pp. 150–157) Me Read? No Way! – Ontario Ministry of Education 2004
8. mammon is: action-based written from multiple perspectives: the reader sees the perspectives of the goodies and the baddies edgy or controversial: the idea that any of us can become a demon is present throughout full of powerful or positive ideas – the characters have choices that will have resonating, and quite possibly world-changing, consequences
9. Girls don’t miss out Grace Callahan is a positive role model for girls She makes mistakes, does not rely on a male to save her and is heroic There is a romance involved, but both Grace and Ivan are mindful of consequences and understand their responsibilities
10. To choose suitable action-based books… …sure, we should be avoid texts that marginalise, typecast or stereotype characters of either gender However, the action genre can be explored with a discerning eye For those who are worried that action stories lack literary merit, consider this…
11. "Know, O prince, that between the years when the oceans drank Atlantis and the gleaming cities, and the years of the rise of the sons of Aryas, there was an Age undreamed of, when shining kingdoms lay spread across the world like blue mantles beneath the stars ...”
12. Hither came Conan, the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed, sword in hand.
13. And in case you were wondering… The Conan books have strong, independent and wise female characters in Valeria and Red Sonja But enough about that book! Back to mine!
14. Mammon and ict ICT is a key part of the Australian Curriculum The new curriculum requires that students publish their work and use ICT extensively Let’s look at some alternatives to essay writing for reluctant readers and writers to engage in: Blogging Online book discussion groups Book trailers
15. Blogging on Students can create their own weblogs, known as ‘blogs’ They can upload book reviews, journal entries, artwork, book trailers – anything that can be produced on a computer You could even scan in handwritten work and upload it Blogs can be used from year to year and form part of a digital portfolio of work
16. This is a book fan’s blog – his name is Braiden. To the right is a character interview that Braiden and I did, with me taking the persona of the high demon Mammon.
23. You can view the mammon book trailer at :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvzw2p65dQw
24. By creating book trailers… …students can: Select meaningful, symbolic images Summarise narrative elements, e.g. theme Use persuasive language Reflect on, and justify their choices Peer assess
25. You can email the author at:ferrymanchronicles@hotmail.com
