Teacher Ideas Press. 185p. illus. bibliogs. index. c2003. 1-56308-987-4. $29.00.

Responding to "the need to provide a challenging and appealing curriculum that helps students to meet standards." Phyllis J. Perry, noted educator and writer, provides a useful guide for incorporating fantasy literature in grades 4-8. Perry has selected 20 fantasy novels, including Tack Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.

For each work, publication information including ISBN is given followed by a detailed synopsis and a who's who list of important characters. Varied vocabulary exercises accompany each selection with appropriate page numbers from the text for easy use. A series of comprehension Q&As as well as a good selection of discussion questions are also part of the package. There are suggestions for research activities, often with specific library and Internet sources identified to facilitate the assignment. Also, there are extension activities that encourage creativity and interdisciplinary learning. Finally, there are specific explanations of the ways in which each work meets the 12 NCTE/IRA English Language Arts Standards.

This well-organized guide should be helpful for any educator looking to incorporate work from the fantasy genre into the curriculum at the middle school level. The selections are worthwhile and the quality of the accompanying materials is excellent. Anthony Pucci, English Dept. Chair., Notre Dame H.S., Elmira, NY

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group