Frankenstein

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Interactive Teen Book
In 2012, Dave Morris and Profile Books teamed up with inkle to create an interactive retelling of the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The book is vividly illustrated with detailed 16th to 19th century anatomical illustrations that fit the overall theme of Frankenstein well. Though originally available only for iPhones and iPads through iTunes, the company released an Android version in 2013. Concerning age appropriateness, the Google Play store rates the app for everyone (2013), iTunes suggests twelve and up (2012), and a review by School Library Journal suggests eighth grade and up (Grabarek, 2012). At the time of this paper, iTunes is charging $4.99 for the app and the Play Store has it listed at $4.57.
The publisher has spent some time marketing the book, creating both a Facebook and Pinterest page for users to find out more information. The Facebook page has relevant information about Frankenstein in general as well as specific information about the app itself. The page has received over one thousand “likes”; however, the last post is dated January 10th of this year, so interest has likely begun to decline (Profile Books, 2014). The Pinterest page also had a mixture of items pinned regarding Frankenstein and Mary Shelley. Profile Books, the publisher, has a page for the app on their website, and the developer inkle also has a page devoted to the app. Aside from social media and websites, the developer also created two trailers for the app that are accessible on YouTube, that introduce readers to the interactive format and the attractive user interface.
Somehow, in all my readings, I had never read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I was excited to read the book and was curious about the intera...

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... book repackaged, but remain faithful to the original. In a perfect world, teens would read simply because they understand the immense benefits of reading; however, realistically sometimes teens need a gentle push to impel them toward reading. I believe this app provides that push.

Works Cited

Frankenstein. (2013). Retrieved from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bbg.frankenstein&hl=en_GB
Frankenstein, for iPad and iPhone. (2012). Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/frankenstein-for-ipad-iphone/id516047066?mt=8
Grabarek, D. (2012). Review: ‘Frankenstein’ – by Dave Morris – “a sophisticated take on a classic”. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/touchandgo/2012/06/11/review-frankenstein-a-sophisticated-choose-your-own-adventure-by-dave-morris/
Profile Books. (2014). [Facebook page]. Retrieved https://www.facebook.com/frankensteinapp

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