Fiction / Novel Books

Of course, there is unanimous agreement that no one should miss the glories of Shakespeare! Teachers and parents recognize that fact, yet are fully aware that Shakespearean works in their original form are simply too formidable for many youngsters. There is an answer to this dilemma -- simplification! Yet it must be simplification that is so adroitly and creatively handled that none of Shakespeare's beauty and eloquence and humor is lost.Now editors Peggy and Judith Anderson have made it possible for struggling readers to enjoy the works of one of the greatest authors of all time. Their Streamlined Shakespeare has been designed for schools that seek to adapt the traditional curriculum to meet the needs of all students. It can be used remedially in the special education classroom and adaptively for regular education settings. This has been accomplished with a unique format which sets this work apart from all other adaptations: Each play is presented in two parts -- a narrative (the story) followed by the play.Often students have a difficult time understanding content presented in a play format. A paucity of description deprives the reader of the story's context so critical to comprehension. Streamlined Shakespeare's narrative format presents the reader with an opportunity to understand the vagaries and complexities of the plot early on. No longer can Shakespeare be considered beyond instructional reach!

There are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer's engaging and wonderfully illustrated book brings to life both sides of the American Revolution. The narrative introduces anew the two enemies, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British, and George III, the British king who lost them. Two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic, yet with more in common than we sometimes acknowledge. We are lead through their story, and the story of their times, and see both sides of the arguments that divided the colonies from the Kingdom. Was King George a Royal Brute as American patriots claimed? Or was he, as others believed, the father of the people? Was George Washington a scurrilous traitor, as all the king's supporters claimed? Or should we remember and celebrate him as the father of his country? Who was right? History teaches us that there are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer's book is an accessible account of one the most vital periods in American history. It is also a timeless lesson in seeing history from different points of view. The author spent two years researching books, paintings, cartoons, and descriptions of Revolutionary times. She uses art, text, and first-hand accounts to illustrate how history should never be reduced to simplistic conflicts between the good guys and the bad guys. Her illustrations, and her engaging quote bubbles, bring the Revolution to life again, and allow the characters of the period to speak for themselves. Through its lively text, detailed illustrations, and fully authenticated quotes, George vs. George shines fresh light on both sides of the story of our country's formative years.

'Like Cushman's 1995 Newbery Honor Book, Catherine, Called Birdy, this novel is about a strong young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. This is a world, like Chaucer's, that's . . . dangerous, primitive and raucous. From the first page you're caught by the spirit of the homeless, nameless waif, somewhere around 12 years old. She gets the village midwife to take her in, befriends a cat, names herself Alyce, and learns something about delivering babies. When she fails, she runs away, but she picks herself up again and returns to work and independence.' --ALA Booklist (starred review). '. . .A fascinating view of a far distant time.' -- The Horn Book (starred review)