The Maze Runner - Young Adult

The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Copyright Date: 2009

Number of Pages: 375

Awards: ALA Best Books for Young Adults, ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Charlotte Zolotow Award, Florida Sunshine State Book Award, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Books, New Hampshire Great Stone Face Children's Book Award, New Jersey Garden State Teen Book Award, Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award, Texas Lone Star Reading List, Young Adult Services Division, School Library Journal Author Award

Grade Level: 9-12

Summary: 

Waking in an unfamiliar place with no memories, the main character Thomas quickly learns he now resides in the 'Glade' with many other boys. The only way out of the Glade is through the Maze, a dangerous place full of Grievers (monsters). But soon Thomas begins to realize that not everything about the maze is quite what it seems.

Use in teaching:

The Maze Runner could be used in high school English for a literature circle or even for some critical thinking discussion questions. 

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	3 Bookmarks: The Maze Runner jumps right into the story from the first word. Despite this Dashner is able to incorporate all five elements for a good plot structure.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: Considering the characters in The Maze Runner enter the story with no memory, Dashner does a good job of creating well rounded characters. Each character, despite little back story available, has specific personalities and are believable.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	2 Bookmarks: The pacing for The Maze Runner is a bit slow in the beginning but picks up quickly. There are parts that might move a little too quick (leading to some confusion occasionally).
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: Despite losing a star in pacing I still highly recommend this book. Dashner has created a unique mix between The Hunger Games and Holes that keeps the reader intrigued.