Literature Guide

Utilizing a collection of the greatest books for young readers including Out of the Dust, Shiloh, Maniac Magee, and Hatchet, this resource provides motivating activities that take students on unforgettable literary journeys. Vocabulary builders, prompts, and activities give students an in-depth understanding of 25 Newbery books.

The Robinsons, a Swiss family journeying to a new life in a far-off colony, are shipwrecked and abandoned on an uncharted island. Through their own resourcefulness and the provision of God, they not only survive, but thrive, in their new home. Full of danger and ingenious solutions, the story of the Robinsons' ordeal as castaways will delight all ages with its bounty of nature and creative adjustments to life on a wilderness island. Very high level vocabulary. Excellent choice for high school World Lit. Setting: uncharted island, 1800s

This book retells four of Shakespeare's most well-known plays: "Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Othello, " and "The Tempest." With beautiful illustrations and poetic yet easily-understood language, this book is the perfect way to introduce young people to the work of Shakespeare.

In the year 1707, eight-year-old Sarah accompanies her father into the wilderness of Connecticut. There her father builds a house and clears land while Sarah keeps the camp and cooks for him. The dark, the wild animals, and the Indians all make it difficult to be brave, but, she reminds herself of her mother's words as she holds her red cloak close: "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble." When her father leaves to bring the rest of the family back, Sarah is left in the care of a neighboring Indian tribe, where she learns the meaning of trust and friendship. Based on a true story. Setting: Connecticut, 1707 Guide: 30 pages; 9 sections

1939 Newbery Honor Book. Mr. Popper is a house painter and a dreamer who loves the antarctic and wishes he had traveled before settling down. Though his work barely brings in enough money to buy food for his family, they are happy. But Mr. Popper is a dreamer of big dreams, and when an explorer sends Mr. Popper a penguin from the South Pole, one turns out to be not enough. But how will the family manage 12 penguins when they can hardly feed themselves? Setting: U.S., early 1900s