You’ve asked repeatedly and we are finally able to respond to your request. Five new focus guides will be ready January 1st, with five more planned by fall 2010. We are thrilled to offer these five at a 25% introductory rate discount!
Animal Farm
by George Orwell
Written as a criticism of Soviet Russia, Animal Farm is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago, for there will always be those eager to control others and limit freedom.
Focus on: Discernment; essay writing
Grade Level: 9th – 12th
Novel: 141 pages
Critical Thinking: Difficult
Ben and Me
by Robert Lawson
When the mouse Amos finds himself in Benjamin Franklin’s bedroom, Ben’s life is changed forever. According to the story, Amos is responsible for most of the inventor’s ideas, and for keeping Ben out of trouble!
Focus on: Imagination; expressing ideas and opinions
Grade Level: 4th – 6th
Novel: 114 pages
Critical Thinking: Medium
The Door in the Wall
by Marguerite de Angeli
Now that Robin’s legs are useless, he will never serve the king as a knight like his father planned. But Brother Luke says “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.” Will Robin be a disappointment to his father or can he find his “door”?
Focus on: Perseverance; research paper
Grade Level: 6th – 8th
Novel: 121 pages
Critical Thinking: Medium
Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O’Dell
Karana didn’t want to miss the boat which took away the rest of her tribe, but how could she leave her brother behind? This story is based on the life of the “Lost Woman of San Nicolas,” a woman who lived alone for 18 years on one of the Channel Islands about 75 miles southwest of Los Angeles, California.
Focus on: Survival; similes and metaphors
Grade Level: 5th – 8th
Novel: 181
Critical Thinking: Medium
The Phantom Tollbooth
by Norton Juster
When a mysterious tollbooth appears in Milo’s bedroom, he drives through only because he has nothing better to do, but on the other side he encounters situations and places he’s never even dreamed existed. How will his experiences change him for life in the real world?
Focus on: “Rhyme and Reason”; 5-step writing process
Grade Level: 6th – 8th
Novel: 256 pages
Critical Thinking: Medium-difficult