I never had to read it for a book report either. I was introduced to the series in 5th or 6th grade when someone gave me books 3-5 of the series (book 4 won the Newberry medal, and I've always held that book 5 really deserved to as well).
Cooper's subject matter and style are so very different from Dahl that I can't even begin to compare them, other than to state that they are both authors of very good children's books. I think they compare well with L'Engle's fantasy novels: both deal with apparently ordinary youths getting mixed up in otherworldly or supernatural business.
On the other hand, Dahl does supernatural, too - The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, Willy Wonka... but there's an overriding sense of humor and even jollity in his work. Cooper's stuff feels high and solemn and spiritual and deeply mysterious. If you enjoy L'Engle and LeGuin, I rather suspect you'd like Cooper's work too. Warning - the first book in the series isn't much to write home about, and I rather think can be skipped entirely. Start with the second book. If, after reading the third book, you want its backstory.. well, then go read the first book. Like all really good children's books, these are books that can - and should - be enjoyed by adult lovers of fantasy as well.
I think we own all five books in the series. Knowing what a fast reader you are, if you're in our area for any reasonable length of time, feel free to borrow them. :)
no subject
Cooper's subject matter and style are so very different from Dahl that I can't even begin to compare them, other than to state that they are both authors of very good children's books. I think they compare well with L'Engle's fantasy novels: both deal with apparently ordinary youths getting mixed up in otherworldly or supernatural business.
On the other hand, Dahl does supernatural, too - The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, Willy Wonka... but there's an overriding sense of humor and even jollity in his work. Cooper's stuff feels high and solemn and spiritual and deeply mysterious. If you enjoy L'Engle and LeGuin, I rather suspect you'd like Cooper's work too. Warning - the first book in the series isn't much to write home about, and I rather think can be skipped entirely. Start with the second book. If, after reading the third book, you want its backstory.. well, then go read the first book. Like all really good children's books, these are books that can - and should - be enjoyed by adult lovers of fantasy as well.
I think we own all five books in the series. Knowing what a fast reader you are, if you're in our area for any reasonable length of time, feel free to borrow them. :)