Monster madness

Tales of zombies have been around in several different forms for centuries. However, they exploded into a pop culture phenomenon in the late 1960s. Since that time, public interest in these creatures has only increased. In an effort to keep the stories fresh, people have often put their own spin on how the zombies act and what caused them to turn into monsters. Full-color photographs and informative fact boxes enhance the engaging main text as it gives readers a glimpse into the evolution of zombies.

"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is one of the most enduring classics in history and the world's first science fiction novel. More than 200 years after its publication, Frankenstein is firmly entrenched in pop culture--but how much of what we know actually comes from the book? This volume's engaging main text discusses the history of Frankenstein and the ways the story and the monster's image have changed over the years. Informative fact boxes and full-color photographs bring the legend to life, and a detailed graphic organizer outlines the differences between the novel and the 1931 movie that launched a pop culture icon"--Provided by publisher.

The myth of the Minotaur is one of the oldest stories in history. It comes from the Greek island of Crete, where Minoan civilization flourished between 3000 and 1100 BCE. The labyrinth in which the monster was imprisoned is also the first mention of a maze in the historical record. Through the age-appropriate main text, augmented by engaging fact boxes and full-color photographs, readers learn about the fascinating history of ancient Greece. A glossary of new terms is included to give a deeper understanding of the material.

With her trademark hair and monstrous appearance, Medusa is one of the most easily recognizable figures from Greek and Roman mythology. Her severed head was considered a sign of protection from evil, which is why it has appeared on ancient items such as roof tiles, pottery, and shields. In modern times, people have begun to question the narrative of the myth, putting a feminist spin on its retellings. Through age-appropriate main text, enhanced with fascinating fact boxes and full-color photographs, readers learn the story behind this historical monster.