Reading Johnny Tremain

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Each well-organized title begins with a brief biography of the author of the work under discussion and the context within which the story is told, such as historical and cultural perspectives. The texts focus on the literary fundamentals of narrative, plot, characters, setting, themes, and symbols. Each chapter contains "On Your Own" activities, set apart in colored boxes; the one in Tremain suggests that readers, "Make a map of the plot...indicating the catastrophes...." Students might not follow the suggestions on their own, but the activities could be useful in classrooms. Both entries contain good, mostly color photographs and/or illustrations of the author, the time period, and the motion pictures that have been made from the books, all of which enhance the texts. These titles could help readers to make connections to other classics in the same era and to think critically about the literature they are studying.-Linda Wadleigh, Haymon-Morris Middle School, Winder, GA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.