79 pages 2 hours read

Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2010

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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: