The Hero and the Crown

Newbery Medal Winner, 1985

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Robin McKinley

McKinley has written numerous children's books, young adult series and adult novels. Most of her work centers around strong, feminist heroines who go on adventures against great odds. In addition to Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor awards, the American Library Association has recognized McKinley's children and young adult work. McKinley's fantasies have earned acclaim by the World Fantasy Convention and the Mythopoeic Society -- think Tolkien & C.S. Lewis -- for outstanding literature in the areas of myths and fantasies.

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World Context

Escapist novels -- those books which help us to lose time from our cares -- are important. These stories are especially cathartic when they create an enduring sense of hope and courage in the reader. The Hero and the Crown is just such a read -- the reader may delve deep into the story but will return restored and refreshed.

The land of Damar is harsh, on the brink of civil war, and Aerin is not a spunky heroine. She is the Hero on the Hero's Journey: matter-of-fact and persistently courageous in overcoming her dragon burns and conquering the evil surrounding her kingdom. Exactly the traits we need during the pandemic.

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"The Black Dragon has come,"
he said at last.
"Maur, who has not been seen for generations, the last of the great dragons, great as a mountain.
Maur has awakened."

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Synopsis

Aerin-Sol, the King's daughter, must prove herself his heir against an apparent lack of Kelar - magic - and the whispered rumors her Mother bewitched the King. Befriending a disgraced, injured warhorse and teaching herself bare-back combat is just the beginning of Aerin's adventures. The Black Dragon, an immortal Mage in a dream-like land, an evil Sorcerer, and civil war round out her trials!

The Hero and the Crown is a prequel to The Blue Sword which was a Newbery Honor Book in 1982. 

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Learning Connections

Folklore, myths
Gender issues
Feminism
The Hero's Journey

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Ages: 14 - adult; grades: 8 - 12; 227 pages. Outcast-princess-conquers-the-dragon fantasy story.