The Dark Is Rising

The Dark Is Rising was written by Susan Cooper. It was re-published by Margaret K. McElderry Books in 1999. This book is intended for children in middle and high school. It is a chapter book that deals with adventure and contemporary fantasy. This book was awarded a Newbery Honor Award in 1974. The theme of this book is the battle between darkness and light. The main character of this book is Will Stanton, who is the seventh son of the seventh son, which makes him an immortal. Immortals are known as the Old Ones, who stand and defend against the powers of darkness. He is tasked with seeking out four "Things of Power" for the light to defeat the darkness. He is first directed to find the six signs that make up the Circle of Signs, which  is one of the Things of Power. This all happens right around Christmas; and Will who is the sign-seeker has to travel through time in order to find them. This book is a great story. It would be a great story for use in an English or Language Arts class.