Books in the Classroom
Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: The Napping House
This site provides a review of the book "The Napping House" by Don and Audrey Wood. It also features ideas for activities and a list of related books.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Edith Wharton Society: Summaries & Discussion Questions for Wharton's Works
If you need to get a handle on what's important in some of Wharton's major works, this site will be helpful. Summaries and questions are contributed by Wharton Society members from various universities.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Check out this site to learn more about the story "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," by J.K. Rowling.
AdLit
Ad lit.org: Reading Discussion Guide: The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Matt is a clone of El Patron, a powerful drug lord of the land of Opium, located between the United States and Mexico. For six years, he has lived in a tiny cottage in the poppy fields with Celia, a kind and deeply religious servant...
AdLit
Ad lit.org: Reading Discussion Guide: The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
In A.D. 793, eleven-year-old Jack leaves his family farm to become an apprentice to the Bard, a druid from Ireland, who is assigned to his Saxon village. At first, he is unsure of his duties, and is puzzled when the Bard experiences a...
Other
Nancy Polette: "Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone" Literature Guide
Check out this literature guide for the book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," by J.K. Rowling. In addition to a very brief overview of the book, there are questions to think about, several activities, and a song. All help...
Other
Nancy Polette: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" Literature Guide
Discover the world of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." This site is filled with interactive technology activities.
AdLit
Ad lit.org: Reading Discussion Guide: Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
Twelve-year-old Sumiko feels her life has been made up of two parts: before Pearl Harbor and after it. The good part and the bad part. Raised on a flower farm in California, Sumiko is used to being the only Japanese girl in her class....
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Literary Elements and Techniques: Figurative Language
Discover how authors use figurative language to enhance their writing and explore the differences between similes and metaphors in this animated video [3:37] from WNET. Discussion questions below help students to further apply their...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Literary Elements and Techniques: Tone and Mood
Explore the difference between tone and mood in this animated video [2:28] from WNET through definitions and examples from poetry and prose. Discussion questions below help students to further apply their understanding before analyzing a...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Literary Elements and Techniques: Imagery
Explore the literary technique of imagery to see how sensory language contributes to the meaning and feeling of a poem in this animated video [1:23] from WNET. Discussion questions below help students to further apply their understanding...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Literary Elements and Techniques: Symbolism
Explore how authors use symbolism to add a deeper level of meaning to their work in this short animated video [1:12] from WNET. Discussion questions below help students to further apply their understanding before analyzing a text.
Penguin Publishing
Penguin Random House: Reading Guide for "Sleeping at the Starlite Motel"
This site offers a reading guide for Bailey White's book "Sleeping at the Starlite Motel." A plot summary, 16 study questions, suggestions for further reading, and links to other useful sites are included.
Other
Teaching Strategies for "The Giver" [Pdf]
Four-page PDF document includes reproducible handouts and other ideas for exploring this complex novel.
Other
Peguin: Reading Guide: The House Gun
Besides the usual critical introduction, biographical information and discussion question; this reading guide includes an interview with the author.
Other
Penguin: Reading Guide: Wizard and Glass
A general introduction to the series, a specific introduction to the novel, biographical information and discussion questions about the novel are all offered at this publisher's site.
Other
Book Discussion Guide: A Series of Unfortunate Events [Pdf]
Here, you'll find background, related reading suggestions and discussion questions undoubtedly written by the inimitable Lemony Snicket himself.
Other
Study Guide for the Novel: "Number the Stars"
This site a sixth grade teacher offers this collection of discussion/study questions and classroom activities.
Savvas Learning
Penguin: Reading Guide: A Room With a View [Pdf]
This reading guide provides a critical introduction, background biographical information, and a number of questions to spark discussion about the book. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]