Teacher Guides to Intermediate & Middle Literature

Select one of the titles below to view great material that will assist you in teaching these literary classics, old and new. These teacher's guides to works of literature for the late-elementary and middle-school levels (grades 3-8) include overview information, discussion questions, and extended learning activities, in addition to printables worksheets and lesson plans. Find guides to novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry by diverse authors such as George Orwell, R. L. Stine, Emily Dickinson, Jean Fritz, Barbara Robinson, James Howe, Jerry Spinelli, Lois Lowery, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney, Elizabeth George Speare, and many others. You're sure to foster an interest in literature for your students with these guides, and the included lesson plans, printables, and extension activities will help you discuss these works with confidence.

Guides for Novels and Short Stories 1984 George Orwell's thought-provoking novel 1984 covers the themes of dehumanization, isolation, repression, loneliness, social class disparity, and abuse of power. This teacher's guide includes chapter summaries, questions, and extension activities. Across Five Aprils Discussion Guide Enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance teaching Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt. Activities for African Folk Tales Get the most out of reading African folk tales by using these worksheets. This is a great lesson plan to use during Black History Month and when studying African-American history. Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! Discussion Guide Address the issue of bullying with your students and encourage class discussion with the resources in this guide to Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back!. This printable packet includes an interview with the author, a post-reading activity, and discussion points to use before and while reading the book. This literature guide is an excellent resource for School Safety Month (October). All Day Nightmare (Goosebumps, 42) Enrichment activities, Internet resources, and literature tie-ins related to the Goosebumps series book All Day Nightmare. American Revolution Books by Jean Fritz Activities, lessons, web resources, and references to teach Jean Fritz's American Revolution books. Among the Hidden Teacher's Guide Develop students' critical thinking skills with the discussion topics in this teacher's guide for Among the Hidden. Use the activities and research projects to compare the laws, government, and society in this work of fiction to real-world situations. Because of Winn-Dixie Teacher's Guide Refer to the discussion questions in this printable literature guide before, during, and after reading Because of Winn-Dixie with your class. Explore the themes of the novel and extend students' understanding of the story through various cross-curricular activities. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Find a collection of tests, grammar sheets, and project ideas for Barbara Robinson's classic book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This novel – about finding the true meaning of Christmas – will be a great addition to your literature curriculum. The Books of Amy Goldman Koss Explore teaching activities to be used with the books of Amy Goldman Koss. The Books of Donna Jo Napoli Explore teaching activities to be used with the books of Donna Jo Napoli. The Boy Who Saved Baseball Explore teaching activities to be used with The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter. Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery provides lots of laughs for the reader. This lesson includes Internet resources and enrichment ideas to use while reading James Howe's novel. Callahan Cousins: Summer Begins Explore Callahan Cousins: Summer Begins with your students. This book was originally published online at Funbrain.com, but is now also available in print! Camp Confidential: Jenna's Dilemma Find enrichment activities to use with the story Camp Confidential: Jenna's Dilemma. This is the second book of the series. You can read the whole book online or buy it in stores! Camp Confidential: Natalie's Secret Find enrichment activities to use with Camp Confidential: Natalie's Secret, part one of the Camp Confidential series. This book is available online and in stores. Reading Guide for Chains Extend students' learning with discussion topics for Chains, a National Book Award finalist. The questions in this printable literature guide examine character development, literary devices, and life in Colonial times. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is a story about Charlie's hilarious adventures in Mr. Willy Wonka's enormous chocolate factory. Intermediate students will love meeting the five, unique children who win a trip to the chocolate factory and find hilarious adventures. Charlotte's Web Extend this well-loved book with enrichment ideas and resources. Classic Tales of Horror Full text, vocabulary words, and discussion questions for tales of horror: "The Monkey's Paw," "The Raven," and "The Black Cat." Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal Find enrichment activities and resources to use with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal. This book was originally published online at FunBrain.com, but is now a best-selling print series as well! Distant Enemy Use the activities in this guide before, during, and after reading the book. Double Dutch Teacher's Guide Enrich students' reading experience with the discussion questions, writing prompts, research topics, and drama activities in this teacher's guide for Double Dutch. Students will learn about the competitive sport of jumping rope while examining family relationships, the idea of fear, and the consequences of lying. Dreamland Explore teaching activities to be used with the book Dreamland, by Sarah Dressen. Feathers Reading Guide After reading Feathers with your class, use the questions in this reading guide to start a discussion about race, segregation, and the 1970s. Felita Use these lessons and activities with Felita, by Nicholasa Mohr. Fever 1793 Teacher's Guide Explore late eighteenth-century life in America with the discussion topics and cross-curricular activities in this teacher's guide for Fever 1793. Students will learn about the yellow fever epidemic, the Free African Society, and life after the American Revolution. Firebird Fantasy Fiction Enhance understanding with a teaching guide that offers reading suggestions from Firebird, a fantasy and science-fiction imprint. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey Enrichment activities and internet resources to enhance the teaching of the true story Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman. Flatland Explore teaching activities to be used with Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott. Teaching the Freddy the Pig Series Explore teaching activities to be used with the Freddy the Pig Series by Walter R. Brooks. Friendship According to Humphrey Enhance understanding with a teaching guide that offers teaching ideas and extension activities for Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty Birney. Frindle Teacher's Guide Your students will enjoy reading Frindle, a story about language and creativity. The projects, activities, and discussion topics in this teacher's guide will get students thinking about vocabulary, story-telling, and inventions. The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn is an award-nominated mystery that takes place in 18th-century Japan. These ideas and activities will assist you in teaching this outstanding book. The Golden Bull Discussion Guide Encourage critical thinking and discussion about life in ancient Mesopotamia with the comprehension questions in this literature guide for The Golden Bull. Goldilocks and the Three Hares Share a book guide that includes activities and discussion questions that can be successfully integrated into a cross-curriculum program. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Teacher's Guide Explore the medieval world through the monologues in Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!, then have fun casting students in a readers' theater. Use this literature guide to help students analyze their characters, create costumes, research life in the Middle Ages, and much more. Guests Discover lesson plans, web resources, and references to accompany the book Guests by Michael Dorris -- the story of a Wampanoag boy in the 1620's. Use these resources to teach students about Native Americans and Colonial times. Harry Potter Resources and Activities Take advantage of the fact that kids love to read about Harry Potter and his marvelous adventures. Use these lesson plans and activities to get in on the fun for any of the books. Heaven Teacher's Guide Use the discussion questions in this teacher's guide for Heaven to explore the meaning of family. Activities and project ideas in this printable guide will also help students learn about the civil rights movement in the context of more recent events. Homesick: My Own Story Activities and resources to teach Homesick: My Own Story by Jean Fritz. How to Eat Fried Worms Activities, tests, and Internet sites that will help you teach How to Eat Fried Worms. In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson This literature guide includes enrichment activities and internet resources for In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, a book about a Chinese child who comes to Brooklyn, New York in 1947 and becomes Americanized by her love for baseball. Island of the Blue Dolphins Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of an American Indian girl stranded on an island, alone, for 18 years. This literature guide for the Newbery Award winner will excite students to keep reading from cover to cover. Our resources will help teachers to extend the book. James and the Giant Peach Students love James and the Giant Peach, an action-filled fantasy that will amuse and encourage them to read more. Use the activities and resources provided to extend appreciation and learning. Journeys in Time and Places in Time These are stories of change: of pilgrims and pioneers, soldiers and children, explorers and adventurers building new lives and finding new worlds. Teacher's Guide for Lady Liberty Deepen students' appreciation for the history behind famous landmarks and monuments with the resources in this literature guide for Lady Liberty. This printable packet includes reading comprehension and discussion questions, cross-curricular activities, and research topics for further study. The Land and Other Books by Mildred D. Taylor Explore teaching activities to be used with The Land and other books by Mildred D. Taylor. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe The classic tale of a fantasy world and four children's adventures in it,The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, will surely delight and inspire your students. We provide enrichment activities and resources for the book. A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder These two stories by Richard Peck offer a lively picture of the depression years in small-town America. Joey and his sister Mary Alice describe the time they spent with their grandmother, a feisty, terrifying, and goodhearted woman. Maniac Magee This Newbery Medal winner tells the mythical tale of a legendary hero: 12 year old Jeffrey Magee -- known as Maniac Magee. An orphan with no place to call home, Maniac Magee enters the town of Two Mills, a town sharply divided by race. Magee's athletic skills, combined with his nonjudgmental way, lead the people of Two Mills to overcome segregation, racial profiling, and ignorance. The Merchant of Venice Teacher's Guide Introduce students to the common themes in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice through the pre-reading activities in this printable guide. Then, use the discussion questions and teaching suggestions to enrich students' reading experience of the play. Milkweed In Milkweed, author Jerry Spinelli paints a vivid picture of the streets of the Nazi-occupied Warsaw during World War II, as seen through the eyes of a young orphan. This teacher's guide, which includes summary, discussion questions, and activities, will help in your instruction of the novel. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Teacher's Guide This teacher's guide to The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is chock-full of discussion questions, lesson planning resources, projects, and research ideas that will help students examine the book's characters, events, and meaning. The Misfits Teacher's Guide After reading The Misfits, use the discussion questions in this guide to examine the events in the book and develop students' critical thinking skills. The related activities and research projects will encourage students to learn about political parties, the history of name-calling, and the experiences of misfits. My Brother Sam Is Dead Tim is forced to deal with the difficulties of the Revolutionary War in the story My Brother Sam Is Dead. The young boy is torn between his father, who is an English loyalist, and his brother, a Rebel. My Teacher Is an Alien Activities and resources to teach My Teacher Is an Alien, by Bruce Coville. Native American History Books by Judith St. George Share a book guide that discusses ways to broaden students' understanding of Native American life, traditions, beliefs, and history. Number the Stars The Newbery Award-winning book, Number the Stars, has educated many children about the bravery of the Danish people in World War II. Use these activities to extend the reach of the book.

On the Far Side of the Mountain Use this literature guide to help you teach On the Far Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George. Orphan Boy This African legend tells the tale of an elderly Maasai man who gets help from an unlikely source -- Venus! Pedro's Journal The literature guide for Pedro's Journal, a story about Columbus' travels, includes enrichment activities and Internet resources, as well as a list of other books by Pam Conrad. Enjoy this novel for Columbus Day or during a unit on explorers. Priscilla and the Hollyhocks Activity & Discussion Guide Enrich students' understanding of Priscilla and the Hollyhocks with the cross-curricular activities and questions in this discussion guide. Use these resources with the book to teach students about slavery and westward expansion in America. The Redwall Tales Enhance reading comprehension with a with a guide that provides synopses and activities that can be used with any of the Redwall volumes. Remembering Mrs. Rossi Teacher's Guide Deepen students' understanding of life, love, loss, and grief through the resources and activities in this printable teacher's guide to Remembering Mrs. Rossi. This literature guide includes a dictionary activity, open-response questions, writing assignments, teacher appreciation activities, and curriculum connections for art, math, and social studies. The Report Card Teacher's Guide Encourage elementary and intermediate students to think about educational issues with the discussion topics, activities, and projects in this teacher's guide for The Report Card. These resources will get students thinking about the meaning of intelligence, the emphasis on grades, and the significance of test scores. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Mildred D. Taylor's Newbery Award-winning novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, will capture your middle and intermediate students' attention. This story is about a black family who must struggle with discrimination during the Depression of the 1930s. The Rules of Survival Teacher's Guide After reading The Rules of Survival with your students, use the resources in this literature guide to discuss the novel's portrayal of family dynamics, mental illness, and abuse. Sacagawea Enrichment activities, web resources, and literature tie-ins related to Sacagawea. The Sea of Trolls Teacher's Guide The pre-reading activities in this guide will provide students with a basic knowledge of mythology and prepare them to read The Sea of Trolls. After reading the book with your students, use the discussion topics and activities to examine the characters and the elements of the story. The Secret Garden Use this guide on The Secret Garden to stimulate discussions focused on themes, symbols, recurrent motifs, and Frances Hodgson Burnett's style. Seek Teacher's Guide Enhance students' reading experience with discussion topics that explore the characters, plot, and writing style of Seek. This printable teacher's guide includes activities and research projects about autobiographies and radio broadcasting. Shadow of a Bull Enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance teaching Shadow of a Bull, by Maia Wojciechowska. Shakespeare – Teacher Resources We have dozens of resources about Shakespeare – from teacher's literature guides, to lesson plans, to art activities. You'll find plenty of ways to help your students appreciate the Bard's plays and poetry. Sign of the Beaver This literature guide includes lessons and activities to use while teaching Sign of the Beaver, written by Elizabeth George Speare. Silent to the Bone Reader's Guide After reading Silent to the Bone, use the discussion topics in this reader's guide to explore the book's characters and events. These resources will help you engage your students in a conversation about serious emotional issues, family relationships, and abuse. A Step from Heaven This is the story of a Korean family that immigrates to California in search of a better life, only to find that the American Dream is harder to achieve than they thought. The tale is told through the eyes of Young Ju, as she grows from preschooler to young woman. Summer of My German Soldier Enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance teaching Summer of My German Soldier. The Summer of the Swans This touching story follows the life of a young girl in search of her missing disabled brother. The Tale of Despereaux Teacher's Guide Deepen students' reading comprehension through the pre-reading questions, reading instruction, and connection activities in this literature guide for The Tale of Despereaux. This printable packet includes worksheets, a graphic organizer, and lesson planning resources for each section of the book. To Be a Slave Enrichment activities and internet resources to enhance teaching To Be a Slave by Julius Lester. Reading Guide for The Underneath Deepen students understanding of The Underneath, a National Book Award finalist, with the resources in this literature guide. Pre-reading activities, discussion topics, and projects will help students explore the main themes, emotions, and relationships in this novel. Vote! Discussion Guide The lesson planning resources in this discussion guide for Vote! will involve students of all ages in the electoral process. These activities are a great way for students to learn about their local, state, and Federal government while researching campaign issues, political parties, candidates, and voting methods. This is an excellent resource for learning about the presidential election. Vote! Teacher's Guide Extend and enhance students' enjoyment of the book Vote! with the activities in this printable teacher's guide. This packet includes discussion questions about the electoral process in the United States (including the presidential election), a word search with election vocabulary, and Internet resources for additional information on this topic. When I Crossed No-Bob Reader's Guide The questions in this printable reader's guide will help you and your class explore social issues in American history and discuss the meaning of family. Students will better understand the personal and social challenges that Addy O'Donnell faces in When I Crossed No-Bob, a book about life in the South after the Civil War. The World According to Humphrey Enhance understanding with a teaching guide that offers lessons and extension activities for The World According to Humphrey, by Betty Birney. Worth Teacher's Guide Keep your students involved in reading with the projection and discussion questions in this teacher's guide for Worth. Cross-curricular projects will deepen students' understanding of the story as they learn more about the social conditions of the late nineteenth century. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Backyard Animal Show Teacher's Guide Extend students' enjoyment of Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Backyard Animal Show with the teaching resources and cross-curricular activities in this guide. This printable includes several discussion topics for each chapter, so you can monitor students' comprehension as they progress through the book. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: The Buried Bones Mystery Teacher's Guide Develop students' language arts skills while extending their enjoyment of Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: The Buried Bones Mystery. The discussion topics, research activities, and writing prompts in this teacher's guide will help you engage your students in the reading experience, while exploring the characters and elements of the story. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Lost in the Tunnel of Time Teacher's Guide Assess students' comprehension skills as they read Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Lost in the Tunnel of Time. This printable teacher's guide includes discussion questions for each chapter, as well as writing activities and research topics. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Shadows of Caesar's Creek Teacher's Guide Activities in this teacher's guide for Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Shadows of Caesar's Creek include writing prompts, a vocabulary list, and research topics. This printable also includes discussion topics for each chapter in the book. Guides for Nonfiction Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl Use these enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance teaching Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl. Educator's Guide to Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope Study the life of Barack Obama with the resources in this literature guide to Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, a biography of the U.S. senator and President-elect of the United States. This printable includes pre-reading questions, discussion topics, and cross-curricular projects to further young children's knowledge of this important political figure. Activities for Food Rules! Explore teaching activities to be used with Food Rules! The Stuff You Munch, Its Crunch, Its Punch and Why You Sometimes Lose Your Lunch. Forging Freedom: A True Story of Heroism During the Holocaust Explore teaching activities to be used with Forging Freedom: A True Story of Heroism During the Holocaust, by Hudson Talbott. Grossology Use this book guide to assist you in implementing the Grossology books into your curriculum. Reading Guide for Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight Enrich your language arts or social studies unit with this reading guide for the biography Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight. The discussion questions and activities in this printable will introduce young children to the dreams and career goals of Hillary Clinton. Students will research the job of a U.S. senator, the life of a First Lady, women in politics, and much more. Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President Mock Election Guide Engage students in government by holding a mock election in your classroom! After reading Margaret Chase Smith, use the research ideas, discussion questions, and activities in this guide to teach your class about U.S. political parties, presidential debates, political campaigns, and voting. Discussion Guide for The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World Author Nathaniel Philbrick evokes the drama of the voyage of the Mayflower, the emptiness of coastal Massachusetts that greeted the Pilgrims, and the friendship of the settlers with many powerful Native American leaders. But the promise of the First Thanksgiving was broken with the next generation of leaders when a horrifying conflict (King Philip's war) nearly wiped out the colonists and Natives alike. This discussion guide is a fantastic introduction to the beginning of American History, the tumultuous relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans, and to the meaning behind Thanksgiving. Reading Guide for My Dad, John McCain Discuss John McCain's time in the U.S. Navy and as a POW with the questions in this reading guide for the biography My Dad, John McCain. This printable also includes activities and suggests websites of interest to further students' knowledge of the U.S. senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate. No More!, Free at Last! & Nobody Gonna Turn Me 'Round Teacher's Guide Explore African-American history from slavery through the civil rights movement, with the pre-reading activities, discussion questions, and illustrated timelines in this literature guide. This printable teacher's guide includes resources for each book in the trilogy: No More!, Free at Last!, and Nobody Gonna Turn Me 'Round. Ox, House, Stick: History of Our Alphabet Discussion Guide Examine the history of the Roman alphabet with the activities in this guide for Ox, House, Stick. Children will enjoy using pictures and symbols to create their own alphabet. September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City Teacher's Guide This printable teacher's guide contains discussion questions, lesson ideas, and extension activities for September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City, a book of firsthand accounts by people who lived through the terrorist attacks. The resources in this literature guide will help your students examine how the events of 9/11 impacted individuals, the U.S. economy, world politics, and international relations. War in the Middle East: A Reporter's Story Discussion Guide Refer to the discussion questions in this guide before, during, and after reading War in the Middle East: A Reporter's Story to encourage critical thinking about war and world politics. Use these resources with the book to teach students about the history of events leading up to Black September and the Yom Kippur War. Who Moved My Cheese? for Kids and Teens The national bestseller Who Moved My Cheese? is now available in versions for kids (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13- up). Use the lesson plans and printables below to bring the message of positive change to your classroom. Winning Words Teacher's Guide Pre-reading activities, class projects, discussion topics, research ideas, and writing assignments will deepen student's appreciation for the six inspirational sports stories in Winning Words. Enhance students' reading experience by using the resources in this printable literature guide. Guides to Poetry Explore Poetry with Emily Dickinson Students will immerse themselves in the poems of Emily Dickinson by writing, researching, drawing, and more. Well Versed A Guide to Teaching Poetry This guide offers tried and true techniques for bringing poetry into the lives of young people.