79 pages • 2 hours read
Pittacus LoreI Am Number Four
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Introduction
Teacher Introduction
I Am Number Four
- Genre: Fiction; young adult science fiction/fantasy
- Originally Published: 2010
- Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 700L; grades 7-10
- Structure/Length: 34 chapters; approximately 440 pages; approximately 11 hours, 6 minutes on audio
- Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist, John Smith, is a teenage alien from the planet Lorien hiding on Earth from hostile aliens. The central conflict revolves around John’s struggle to blend in as a human while developing his alien powers and evading his enemies. The story is set against the backdrop of high school life and the larger battle for survival of his species.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence; gore; destruction and combat scenes; alien invasion; mild romantic elements; issues of identity and belonging; bullying; assault; kidnapping; profanity; use of drugs; underage use of alcohol
Pittacus Lore, Author
- Bio: Pittacus Lore is a pseudonym for James Frey and Jobie Hughes.
- Frey: Born 1969; American writer and founder of Full Fathom Five publishing company
- Hughes: Born 1980; American author and screenwriter; focuses on science fiction and young adult genres
- Other Works: The Power of Six (2011); The Rise of Nine (2012); The Fall of Five (2013); The Revenge of Seven (2014); The Fate of Ten (2015); United as One (2016)
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:
- The Connection Between Memory and Identity
- Finding Hope When All Seems Lost
- The Triumph of Good Over Evil
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:
- Develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts regarding the philosophical juxtaposition of good versus evil, which shapes Four’s journey in I Am Number Four.
- Study paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Connection Between Memory and Identity, Finding Hope When All Seems Lost, and The Triumph of Good Over Evil.
- Craft and present a creative writing piece in which students add a new alien race to the existing universe of I Am Number Four.
- Analyze and evaluate plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the role of dreams, the character of Sarah Hart, and other topics.
