A “novel” approach to reading, and introduction to the classics rolled into one. Each "Bring the Classics to Life" worktext contains a complete adaptation of the original work, written at appropriate reading level, a synopsis of the story, vocabulary lists, comprehension questions, vocabulary quizzes and answer key. Novels have been broken into ten short chapters. Prior to each chapter, new vocabulary words are defined and used in context. Comprehension questions include recall of specific details, sequence of events, drawing inferences from story context, critical thinking, selecting the main idea. Vocabulary exercises using the newly-learned words follow. 72 pgs. each, reproducible. Black and white (nice for coloring!) illustrations. There are 9-10 Classic Worktexts per grade level, with a complete set also available at each grade. A separate Shakespeare series is also available for grades 2 and up, with plays adapted in modern English (no "thees" or "thous") for easy reading.

The retellings of the classic books are also available in audio CD format. The comprehension questions and other features in the worktexts are not included, just the story, as written in the worktext. The audio recordings are fairly well done, with expertly paced narration and exciting sound effects. If you purchase a set (CD and workbook) this could provide a nice audio component for listening comprehension. CDs are available for Level 1 and Level 2 books, but not Level 2 Shakespeare.

Customer Reviews

 
Joye Q. from Genoa, IL wrote the following on 10/17/2006:
I was looking for some literature and reading books that would interest two of my boys, both of whom are reluctant readers. So I ordered the grade 1 set. After reading the first chapters they were hooked. One boy even chose one of the books for his extra reading book! When I told them I was buying the next level, they actually applauded. There's usually a reason that classic literature is classic and that contributes significantly to the success of this series. We also like the fact that so many of the books are 'boy' friendly.

 
Christine S. from Germansville, PA wrote the following on 12/01/2006:
This series of reading workbooks is the best one I have found for my reluctant reader who is now in 2nd grade. My son doesn't like traditional easy readers because there is "no plot". This series is a great compromise: the vocabulary is minimal but the stories are well written. He went from having a fit during reading lessons to waking up early to read the next chapter. Although the "Grade 1" is certainly not for children in the beginning of the year(I would say they are late grade 1, possibly grade 2), once they have a semi-good working vocabulary, maybe 200 words(?), these books work well. Each book is separated into 10 "chapters" with each chapter having two pages of important words to know that the child may not have seen, including pronounciation, definition & a sentence in context. Then you have a picture on one page & the story on the 2nd. Finally, there is a comprehension worksheet and a vocabulary worksheet. The worksheets are allowed to be copied for classroom use, so if you have more than one child, the value is fantastic. For me, there is no work necessary other than coping the worksheets. The only issues that some people may have with these workbooks is that some of the themes may be inappropiate for some families. For example, in "Huck Finn", Jim is a run-away slave, Huck lies to adults; the books are abridged but the content is fairly true to the orginial story, so if you would have issues with the original, you will have issues with the version from this company. However, they have 50 different books (10 for each level), so I'm sure there are many your family would enjoy.

 
Tracie W. from Mt. Airy, MD wrote the following on 07/12/2007:
These books are terrific! They are very easy to use for me as teacher and also for my son. We go over the vocabulary section together, then he is able to complete the rest of the chapter by himself. The way these are abridged is excellent. The meat of the story is there but at a level that the student can read without being discouraged. Yet, they are challenged by great questions that ask them to infer information and get the main idea of the story. My son, who does not enjoy reading for the sake of reading does enjoy these books. I enjoy his exposure to the classics. My only regret is that we did not find them sooner!

 
Pam P. from United States wrote the following on 02/04/2009:
These books are an excellent value as each section provides an overview with key words and vocabulary (including sample sentences) and asks the student to read several marked paragraphs and answer a question before getting started to make sure they know what the main idea is in that particular part of the story. The books do not require any preparation time and the reading comprehension questions are very good (most are multiple choice). The lessons are arranged so it's something a teacher can easily incorporate daily. It probably takes about 15 minutes for my daughter to complete one lesson. I am very thankful for these books as we just began homeschooling and my fourth grade daughter has found reading "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" to be one of her favorite parts of homeschooling. Here are some of her comments verbatim: Fourth day of homeschooling: When she began her reading for the day she needed to use the bathroom and she was disappointed that she had to put her book down. She came back afterwards shrieking happily, “Yes, yes, yes! I get to read, read, read!” Four days later: “Oh, come on, I was ready to read more!” -- my fourth grade daughter’s comments after finishing her page for the day. So, as you can gather, as she says, "It's interesting and not boring. They cut off in the really good spots." It would be very helpful for some photos to be taken of the inside of a book for parents to see the vocabulary words and reading comprehension questions. I'm hoping that there will be more of these books offered for fifth grade and above. What a blessing to be able to introduce classics to my daughter and combine vocabulary and reading comprehension all at one time!