The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
Bibliographic Data
Zentner, J. (2018). The serpent king. London Anderson Press. ISBN: 9781783446476
Summary
This is the story of three friends who are thought of as misfits in their rural town in Tennessee. Dillan is the son of a preacher who was sent to prison, Travis “lives” in his fantasy world of books much to the disappointment of his father and Lydia is the social media phenomena of fashion and strong women that does not fit the mold of high school girls in this small rural town. They are seniors and Lydia is making plans to leave to go to college while Dillan and Travis accept that they will stay in their rural town doing the same thing the day after day. An unexpected tragedy arises, and lives are changed dramatically.
Critical Analysis
The author Jeff Zentner has written a book that has drawn the reader into each character's personal life. The reader is given more insight into who the characters are and what they are facing at home, in their heart and mind. The characters think they know each other but they really do not. Horn Book Guide review states “The friends' relationships are complex and credible; Zentner vigorously wrestles with issues of faith, family history, poverty, and mental health.”. This comment supports what the readers are feeling about each character. As readers our heart breaks for Dillan and Travis. Even though they are labeled as misfits, we know what makes them who they are. Dillan and Travis hide so much of who they are and what they experience from everyone that no one sees them for the beautiful people they truly are. Even with heartbreaking tragedy Zentner leaves the reader with hope that through faith, friendship, and love, life still goes on and dreams can still be made even when it is difficult.
Reviews and Awards
Horn Book Guide, 04/01/2017
Three misfits have vastly different posthigh school options. Dill, son of a disgraced preacher, and Travis, whose father has grown more abusive since Travis's brother's death, are unlikely to escape small-town Tennessee. But for blogger Lydia, senior year marks "the beginning of the beginning."
School Library Journal, 01/01/2016
Zentner offers a contemporary young adult novel that explores many issues common with teenagers today—bullying, life after high school, and the coming together and breaking apart of high school friendships.
Publishers Weekly Starred, 12/14/2015
As the novel, Zentner’s debut, builds to a shocking act of violence that shatters the friends’ world, this sepia-toned portrait of small-town life serves as a moving testament to love, loyalty, faith, and reaching through the darkness to find light and hope.
Awards
Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award: Winner 2017
William C. Morris Award: Winner 2017
Connections
- Early in the chapter, you find out the three friends have diverse backgrounds. Describe Dillan, Travis, and Lydia's background.
- Lydia was a social media phenomenon; What are your thoughts about her never having her friends on her blog?
- Read Jeff Zentner’s book In the Wild Light
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