'York Notes Advanced' offer an accessible approach to English Literature. This series has been completely updated to meet the needs of today's A-level and undergraduate students. Written by established literature experts, 'York Notes Advanced' introduce students to more sophisticated analysis, a range of critical perspectives and wider contexts.

Key Features: * Study methods * Introduction to the text * Summaries with critical notes * Themes and techniques * Textual analysis of key passages * Author biography * Historical and literary background * Modern and historical critical approaches * Chronology * Glossary of literary terms

York Notes offer an exciting and fresh approach to the study of literature. The easy-to-use guides aim to provide a better understanding and appreciation of each text, encouraging students to form their own ideas and opinions. This makes study more enjoyable and leads to exam success. York Notes will also be of interest to the general reader, as they cover the widest range of popular literature titles. Key Features: How to study the text - Author and historical background - General and detailed summaries - Commentary on themes, structure, characters, language and style - Glossaries - Test questions and issues to consider - Essay-writing advice - Cultural connections - Literary terms - Illustrations - Colour design. General Editors: John Polley - Senior GCSE Examiner Head of English, Harrow Way Community School, Andover; Martin Gray - Head of Literary Studies, University of Luton.

York Notes offer an exciting and fresh approach to the study of literature. The easy-to-use guides aim to provide a better understanding and appreciation of each text, encouraging students to form their own ideas and opinions. This makes study more enjoyable and leads to exam success. York Notes will also be of interest to the general reader, as they cover the widest range of popular literature titles. Key Features: How to study the text - Author and historical background - General and detailed summaries - Commentary on themes, structure, characters, language and style - Glossaries - Test questions and issues to consider - Essay-writing advice - Cultural connections - Literary terms - Illustrations - Colour design. General Editors: John Polley - Senior GCSE Examiner Head of English, Harrow Way Community School, Andover; Martin Gray - Head of Literary Studies, University of Luton.

Key features of this text: How to study the text Author and historical background General and detailed summaries Commentary on themes, structure, characters, language and style Glossaries Test questions and issues to consider Essay writing advice Cultural connections Literary terms Illustrations Colour design

Key features of this text: How to study the text Author and historical background General and detailed summaries Commentary on themes, structure, characters, language and style Glossaries Test questions and issues to consider Essay writing advice Cultural connections Literary terms Illustrations Colour design

Key features of this text: How to study the text Author and historical background General and detailed summaries Commentary on themes, structure, characters, language and style Glossaries Test questions and issues to consider Essay writing advice Cultural connections Literary terms Illustrations Colour design

'York Notes for GCSE' offers a useful approach to English Literature and aims to help readers achieve a better grade. Updated to reflect the needs of today's students, the new editions are filled with detailed summaries, commentaries on key themes, characters, language and style, illustrations, exam advice and much more.

Develop knowledge of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night through detailed notes and glossaries which reinforce the text and fully prepare students for the CSEC English B examination. - Build a contextual understanding of the play and era through a range of carefully selected modern English translations - Check comprehension with end of chapter guided reading questions and 'Think About It' activities that also demonstrate plot development - Strengthen analysis skills with detailed study notes on characters, themes and stylistic devices running throughout - Improve and practise essay-writing skills using a toolkit of CSEC-style questions and a sample essay. - Consolidate learning and exam preparation with detailed and rigorous study notes.

York Notes offer an exciting and fresh approach to the study of literature. The easy-to-use guides aim to provide a better understanding and appreciation of each text, encouraging students to form their own ideas and opinions. This makes study more enjoyable and leads to exam success. York Notes will also be of interest to the general reader, as they cover the widest range of popular literature titles. Key Features: How to study the text - Author and historical background - General and detailed summaries - Commentary on themes, structure, characters, language and style - Glossaries - Test questions and issues to consider - Essay-writing advice - Cultural connections - Literary terms - Illustrations - Colour design. General Editors: John Polley - Senior GCSE Examiner Head of English, Harrow Way Community School, Andover; Martin Gray - Head of Literary Studies, University of Luton.

'York Notes for GCSE' offers a useful approach to English Literature and aims to help readers achieve a better grade. Updated to reflect the needs of today's students, the new editions are filled with detailed summaries, commentaries on key themes, characters, language and style, illustrations, exam advice and much more.

How can teachers or library media specialists use their students' obvious interests in particular subjects as a motivating force for reading? The answer lies in the techniques, activities, and resources in "Approaches to Literature through Subject." An introductory chapter discusses how students become interested in subjects because of characteristics such as sex, age, culture, intelligence, etc., and the skills educators need to employ these interests to encourage students to read. Each chapter presents a subject, either people, places, things, or events. Two examples of each general subject are explored in detail, dividing them into the categories of real, imaginary, historical, and current. Related teacher and student resources are provided, as well as suggested activities and teaching methods.

Shakespeare is one of the world's most widely taught and most demanding authors. Fortunately, many of his plays have been adapted for film and television, and these productions are a valuable aid for helping students understand and respond to his works. This reference shows teachers and students how to master the techniques of discussing productions of his plays on film and television. It distinguishes the advantages and limitations of film and television as media for representing Shakespeare's dramas. The book then examines strategies for incorporating film and television productions in the classroom and provides many specific examples of how to write about these adaptations of the plays. The volume describes numerous educational resources, both in print and on cassette. This reference will prove invaluable to teachers and students of Shakespeare at all levels, particularly at a time when Shakespeare films are being produced at an unprecedented pace. Although Shakespeare is one of the world's most widely taught authors, he is also one of the world's most demanding. Because of the popularity and sophistication of his works, numerous film and television adaptations of his plays have been made-some decades ago and others very recently. Shakespeare films are coming out at an unprecedented rate, as audiences continue to respond to the richness of his works. These productions are a valuable means of introducing students to Shakespeare's plays, for the film and television versions reflect different interpretations of his works. Although some productions are generally considered better than others, and all have various faults and virtues, each of them teaches us something about the play and the medium. This reference book is a convenient guide for helping teachers and students master the techniques of discussing productions of the plays on film and television. It makes important distinctions between the two media, particularly about the conceptual and physical space available in each and the choices that space, or lack of it, impose on production. Central to the book is the concept of script, the words from which productions are generated. Because even weak productions are nonetheless interpretations of Shakespeare's scripts, they can be used effectively to explore the complex issues in his plays. The volume includes many suggestions about how to help students write well by comparing in very specific terms small segments from different productions. It lists the resources available in this rapidly growing field, both on cassette and in print, and gives many examples of critical commentary, looking at genre, editing, allusion, setting, and the script in historical context. Productions discussed include the Edzard As You Like It, the Branagh A Midwinter's Tale, the Parker Othello, the Loncraine Richard III, and seventy years of Hamlet. Students and teachers of Shakespeare at all levels will find this book to be an invaluable guide to his plays.

Tommy, the newcomer at Colliery Primary, wears a balaclava to school every day. Why? What could possibly be underneath? A terrible scar? Some alien life form? Dumisani and Doogle, aka the Doo Dudes and best friends in the world, are determined to find out. Whatever it takes. This school edition of Balaclava Boy is included in the Department of Basic Educations National Catalogue for Senior Phase learners. It has been revised and updated with activities for pre-reading and post-reading, questions according to cognitive levels, glossaries and notes on the genre of the novel. Memoranda available online at www.tafelberg.com.

Joan Bauer is one of the most popular young adult novelists today. She is well-respected not only by her readers, but also by librarians and critics, having won a Newbery Honor for Hope Was Here (2001), among other awards. Drawing on personal experiences with divorce and family alcoholism, Bauer has her seemingly ordinary teenage characters face situations that test, and prove, their maturity and confidence. Following an introduction to Bauer's work, and a biographical chapter, this volume examines each novel by breaking it down into sections on plot, characterization, setting, and themes. Readers consulting this book for research, or for deeper analysis of a favorite novel, will find this a complete resource. Includes the following novels: -Backwater -Best Foot Forward -Hope Was Here -Rules of the Road -Squashed -Stand Tall -Sticks -Thwonk

This book guides readers through these and other important Steinbeck works, particularly those that are most often taught, including "The Pearl" (1945), "The Red Pony" (1933), and significant short fiction. Clear analysis of each work includes discussions of character development, plot and setting, thematic treatment, historical contexts, and alternate critical readings. A biographical chapter, as well as an examination of the author's contributions and career, helps readers gain a sense of Steinbeck the man and his position as one of America's most important writers.

Since the publication of "Tortilla Flat" in 1935, Steinbeck's treatment of American landscapes and themes has struck a chord with readers. His novels "Of Mice and Men" (1937), "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939), and "Cannery RoW" (1945) were instant critical and popular successes. Each went on to become a feature film, which added to Steinbeck's cultural impact. His works have long endured to earn a place in the canon of American Literature. This book guides readers through these and other important Steinbeck works, particularly those that are most often taught, including "The Pearl" (1945), "The Red Pony" (1933), and significant short fiction.

Clear analysis of each work includes discussions of character development, plot and setting, thematic treatment, historical contexts, and alternate critical readings. A biographical chapter, as well as an examination of the author's contributions and career, helps readers gain a sense of Steinbeck the man and his position as one of America's most important writers.

This volume is part of a new series of novels, plays and stories at GCSE/Key Stage 4 level, designed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum syllabus. Each text includes an introduction, pre-reading activities, notes and coursework activities. Also provided is a section on the process of writing, often compiled by the author. This is the story of two brothers, Calum and Neil, who work in the forest of a large Scottish estate. But the harmony of their life together is shadowed by the dark obsessive hatred of Duror, the gamekeeper.

This volume is part of a series of novels, plays and stories at GCSE/Key Stage 4 level, designed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum syllabus. Each text includes an introduction, pre-reading activities, notes and coursework activities. Also provided is a section on the process of writing, often compiled by the author. This play features 14-year-old Ronnie Winslow, who has been sent home from naval college accused of stealing a postal order. His father vows to prove his innocence in court. The play gives an insight into prevailing social attitudes of the mid-20th century.

This volume is part of a new series of novels, plays and stories at GCSE/Key Stage 4 level, designed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum syllabus. Each text includes an introduction, pre-reading activities, notes and coursework activities. Also provided is a section on the process of writing, often compiled by the author. Shaw's play features Professor Henry Higgins who sets out to turn flower-girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady and to pass her off as a duchess at an ambassador's party, and all that in three months' time.

Everything you need to know and do to get the grade you want! In full colour and a great student-friendly size, York Notes for GCSE is easy to use and easy to follow, so it's easier than ever to get top marks. Written by examiners and teachers to give you an expert understanding of the text, York Notes has the most in-depth coverage and analysis of everything from themes and contexts to characters, plots and language. You'll get the low-down on everything you'll need to demonstrate how well you understand the text and write the best essays. There are sample answers, essay plans and specialist guidance on understanding the questions you'll be asked in an exam, together with an array of handy quotes, checklists, study tips, grade boosters and revision activities to help you learn, revise efficiently and remember everything you'll need to write the very best answers. It's the ultimate guide to revision and exam success. For over 25 years, York Notes has been helping GCSE students just like you achieve the very best grade they can in their exam. So if you're looking for straightforward, easy-to-use advice on how to boost your grades to the next level, York Notes for GCSE is the only guide you're going to need.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas is called "the Grandmother of the Everglades." Read about her life from her childhood up north to her long and inspiring life in south Florida.

She arrived in Miami in 1915 from her native Massachusetts, happy to be in the tropical warmth. She began to understood the importance of the Everglades, an area most considered a "swamp." She called attention to it with her book "Everglades: River of Grass. "During her 108 years, she was a newspaper and magazine journalist as well as book writer. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work on the Everglades.
Ages 9-12

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings worked hard to become a published author. Her efforts did not pay off until she moved to Cross Creek and met the Florida Crackers.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings grew up loving to write and hoping to become an author. Later she moved to Florida, where she lived out in the country at Cross Creek in an area called the Big Scrub. She met the people who lived there, the so-called Crackers. Their simple way of life fascinated her, so she wrote stories about them. One of her books, called "The Yearling, " was about a boy and a pet deer. This book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Her dream of becoming a famous writer had come true.

Ages 9-12

In 2006 the Royal Shakespeare Company began its mission to transform the teaching of Shakespeare in schools. This has been a unique initiative from a major cultural organisation for several reasons: - Education has been placed at the heart and not at the periphery of the RSC's vision. Producing versions of Shakespeare's plays for young audiences has, for example, become an annual feature of the Company's programming. - The project's longevity - it has already been in existence for six years and has funding to continue for at least another four years; - The nature of the learning network it has established, involving schools from all over the UK and a partnership in the US; - The partnership with a higher education institution (the University of Warwick) which has steered teachers through their own research projects, resulting in a 90%+ completion rate among the teachers involved; - The amount of independent research that has established the extent and nature of the impact of this work in both quantitative and qualitative terms.The book tells the story of this transformative project - to describe and to theorise the innovative classroom practice that the RSC has pioneered and to explain what the research tells us about the impact this practice has had on children's experience of Shakespeare in both primary and secondary schools. It describes all of this in authoritative but accessible language, and is relevant to anyone with an interest in the teaching of Shakespeare and / or in how a major cultural organisation can use its expertise to impact significantly on the education of young people from a wide range of social backgrounds. As well as drawing upon the research already conducted, the book benefits from the writer's knowledge and expertise of the teaching of drama. It also benefits from interviews from internationally influential figures, notably Michael Boyd and Jonathan Bate.

While most people know that Harriet Beecher Stowe's famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin spurred on abolotionist sentiments in the North, not many are aware of the vast abolitionist literature of children's books, poems, short stories, and essays. Many of these volumes were not written by seasoned authors, but by women whose primary roles were as mothers who functioned as domestic abolitionists, and have been lost to the ages. Here, De Rosa recovers a collection of these writings, illustrating the domestic abolitionists' efforts While most people know that Harriet Beecher Stowe's famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin spurred on abolitionist sentiments in the North, not many are aware of the fast abolitionist literature of children's books, poems, short stories, and essays. Many of these volumes were written by domestic women, not seasoned authors, and have been lost to the ages. Here, De Rosa recovers a collection of these writings, illustrating the domestic abolitionists' efforts when cultural imperatives demanded women's silence. These women asserted their anti-slavery sentiments through the voices of victims (slave children and mothers), white mother-historians, and abolitionist children in juvenile literature, one of the few genres available to female authors of the period. This collection restores the voices of these little known authors and shows how their voices helped to influence children and adults of the period. For women struggling to find a voice in the abolitionist movement while maintaining the codes of gender and respectability, writing children's literature was an acceptable strategy to counteract the opposition. By seizing the opportunity to write abolitionist juvenile literature, domestic abolitionists maintained their identities as exemplary mother-educators, preserved their claims to femininity,and simultaneously entered the public arena. By adapting literary strategies popular in nineteenth-century juvenile narratives, domestic novels, and slave narratives to document slavery's violation of religious, economic, and political principles, these women spoke out against and institution that stood in marked contrast to the beliefs they held so dear. This anthology aims to fill the important gap in our understanding of women's literary productions about race and gender and illustrates the limitations of a canon that excludes such voices.

This contemplative anthology offers personal essays by noted scholars on a range of topics related to the teaching of Shakespeare. Ideal for the graduate student, it addresses many of the primary concerns and rewards of the discipline, drawing on the variety of special skills, interests, and experiences brought to the classroom by the volume's distinguished contributors.* Offers insight into the classroom practices, special skills, interests, and experiences of some of the most distinguished Shakespearean scholars in the field* Features essayists who reflect on the experience of teaching Shakespeare at university level; how they approach the subject and why they think it is important to teach* Provides anecdotal and practical advice for any reader interested in teaching the works of Shakespeare* Engagingly candid