Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at 200 – Story Sacks

Continuing our series of posts celebrating the bicentenary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, we present some ideas on constructing story sacks based around the book.

So just before we begin, I’ll start with as quick refresher of what is included in a story sack..

• A good quality fiction book, (picture book or novel)
• A non-fiction book related to the story and themes in the chosen picture book.
• Toys, (ideally a soft toy for younger children).
• A game or activity also related to the theme of the chosen fiction book.
• Optional worksheet based on the story and themes off the story sack.

So, we at SOTB have prepared some story sack for different ages younger readers, MG and YA, so we shall commence with younger readers.

Frankenstein Story Sack for Younger Readers

To start with we have an age appropriate version of the book the Usborne Young Readers version, and for non-fiction, we recommend this soon to be published much anticipated title, the non-fiction picture book Fanatically Great Woman who Made History by Kate Pankhurst which has a section about Mary Shelley. For toys we have swiped up reduced Halloween goods, with a soft toy Monster, clockwork monster and bouncing rubber balls eyes, plus a mask for role play. We’ve also slipped some edible brains.

Frankenstein Story Sack for Middle Grade Readers

For the Middle Grade readers, we have stuck with much of the same elements but swapping out the non-fiction for The Phoenix Comic Book: Corpse Talk Series One by Adam Murphy, who have a comic book strip on Shelley. We’ve also added a copy of one of our favourite MG Frankenstein inspired novels, Mo O’Hara’s My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish.

Frankenstein Story Sack for Young Adult Reader

So, YA readers are more advanced and mature, so for their story sack, we head with a copy of Mary Shelley’s original text of Frankenstein. For Nonfiction we have two options, a study guide which are readily available in your local bookshop, on line or frequently in charity shops, which gives you a greater understanding of the text if read in combination. 

The alternative non-fiction title is Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup, to be published by Bloomsbury in February. This book promised to explore the science and feasibly of Shelley's creation, which should be interesting and be interesting to any teenagers interested in STEM disciplines. Keep an eye on the blog for upcoming review post of Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup.

For the games entertainment element we thought that YA readers may enjoy watching a movie adaptation, so would recommend for younger Teen’s the DVD of the Universal 1931, James Whale directed Frankenstein with the classic Boris Karloff Monster. For more mature reader of 15 plus we would suggest the DVD of the most true adaptation, the 1994 Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with Kenneth Branagh at the helm and multitasking by taking on the role of Victor with Robert De Niro as the Monster.

Pop back to see our upcoming reviews of Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup and Shell by Paula Rawsthorne!