An abridged and illustrated chapter book retelling of Oliver Twist, part of the bestselling Classic Starts® series that has sold more than 8 million copies! Dickens’s timeless novel transports young readers to a colorful Victorian England filled with mistreated orphans, grim workhouses, and gangs of thieving children. The hero finds himself in dire circumstances after he dares to ask for more food in the orphanage. Determined to make his way in the world, he escapes to London, where he becomes involved with criminals . . . and finally finds a real home. The Classic Starts® series has sold more than 8 million copies since it launched in 2004. These abridged, kid-friendly editions are the perfect way to introduce beloved stories to the next generation. Each book includes discussion questions by early childhood educator Arthur Pober, EdD.

Many Books, Many Stories aims to provide both the rationale for engaging in work with inclusive children's and young adult literature and the resources necessary for teachers, counselors, librarians and school administration to incorporate diverse literature into the classroom or into school-wide contexts. The authors provide multiple perspectives and examples of texts that open conversations about powerful topics and ideas that arise in many children's and young adult books. Indeed, it is not enough to just have access to many stories; teachers must consider the ways in which they can engage in discussions around books and their importance. This volume serves to prepare both teacher candidates and in-service teachers to become reflective practitioners who embrace responsive literacy instruction and who work to ensure equity in literacy education. Therefore, this book serves as a resource to guide educators with both pedagogy and curricular content-embracing stories and amplifying voices with children's and young adult literature. "The collection of chapters in this volume is inspiring. Striking a perfect balance between theory and classroom practice, this volume provides a convincing reason as to why the use of children's literature is critical and necessary in today's universities, schools, and classrooms. The editors have done an excellent job in collecting a diverse set of engaging and insightful chapters to discuss matters of race, identity, inequality, and diversity." -Bobbie Kabuto, Professor of Literacy Education, Queens College, CUNY "This thoughtfully edited collection brings together a powerful collection of educators to discuss a crucially important topic in classrooms today. The authors push the reader to question and critically reflect on how they can use literature to facilitate important conversations about diversity. The chapters challenge thinking but also provide multiple examples and the resources that will enable educators to provide spaces in the classroom for children to see their lives reflected in literature." -Sinead Harmey, Associate Professor in Literacy Education, IOE, University College London's Faculty of Education and Society

Many Books, Many Stories aims to provide both the rationale for engaging in work with inclusive children's and young adult literature and the resources necessary for teachers, counselors, librarians and school administration to incorporate diverse literature into the classroom or into school-wide contexts. The authors provide multiple perspectives and examples of texts that open conversations about powerful topics and ideas that arise in many children's and young adult books. Indeed, it is not enough to just have access to many stories; teachers must consider the ways in which they can engage in discussions around books and their importance. This volume serves to prepare both teacher candidates and in-service teachers to become reflective practitioners who embrace responsive literacy instruction and who work to ensure equity in literacy education. Therefore, this book serves as a resource to guide educators with both pedagogy and curricular content-embracing stories and amplifying voices with children's and young adult literature. "The collection of chapters in this volume is inspiring. Striking a perfect balance between theory and classroom practice, this volume provides a convincing reason as to why the use of children's literature is critical and necessary in today's universities, schools, and classrooms. The editors have done an excellent job in collecting a diverse set of engaging and insightful chapters to discuss matters of race, identity, inequality, and diversity." -Bobbie Kabuto, Professor of Literacy Education, Queens College, CUNY "This thoughtfully edited collection brings together a powerful collection of educators to discuss a crucially important topic in classrooms today. The authors push the reader to question and critically reflect on how they can use literature to facilitate important conversations about diversity. The chapters challenge thinking but also provide multiple examples and the resources that will enable educators to provide spaces in the classroom for children to see their lives reflected in literature." -Sinead Harmey, Associate Professor in Literacy Education, IOE, University College London's Faculty of Education and Society

Dickens' timeless novel transports young readers to a colorful Victorian England filled with mistreated orphans, grim workhouses and gangs of thieving children. The hero finds himself in dire circumstances but escapes to London, where he becomes involved with criminals...and finally finds a real home. Abridged for easier reading and carefully rewritten, with "Classic Starts[trademark]", young readers can experience the wonder of timeless stories from an early age.

When the Pied Piper comes to Hamelin, he offers to rid the town of all its rats. And he does--but when the Mayor won't pay what he promised, the Pied Piper takes a terrible revenge ...

Doctor Dolittle is a very special vet - because he knows how to talk to the animals! So when he hears that there's terrible sickness hurting all the monkeys in Africa, the good doctor knows he must go and help them. Soon he's off on an exciting adventure across the seas in this superb retelling of Hugh Lofting's beloved classic.With "Classic Starts[trademark]", young readers can experience the wonder of these timeless stories from an early age. Abridged for easier reading and carefully rewritten, each classic novel is filled with all the magic and excitement that made the original story a beloved favourite.

Half wolf, half dog, White Fang fully understands the cruelty of both nature and humans. After nearly starving to death during the frigid Arctic winter, he's taken in first by a man who "trains" him through constant whippings, and then by another who forces him to participate in vicious dogfights. Follow White Fang as he overcomes these obstacles and finally meets someone who offers him kindness and love.

This title is suitable for children aged 7 to 9 years old. 'Go down the crater of the volcano Snaefells. Follow the shadow just before the month of July. You will find your way to the center of the Earth. I did it'. That mysterious message, found in a long-lost letter, propels a young man and his uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: to a prehistoric world below the earth where dinosaurs and other strange creatures still roam. Jules Verne's classic fantasy will enchant a new generation of readers.

This work talks about a single person - but with two personalities: one that's noble and kind and another that's pure, repulsive evil. Robert Louis Stevenson's engrossing masterpiece about the dual nature of man - and a good doctor whose thirst for knowledge has tragic consequences - serves up all the suspense and satisfying chills one expects from the best horror and science fiction.

Call me Ishmael. These three famous words begin one of the most epic novels ever written, a tale of one obsessed captain, his doomed crew and an elusive white whale named Moby-Dick. The massive original, however, can be very hard for young readers to navigate. This beautifully abridged and adventure-filled version will thrill children and whet their appetite for the complete work - when they are ready to tackle it.

A tin soldier falls hopelessly in love with a paper ballerina in this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story. Beautifully illustrated, 'Silver Penny Stories' are sure to find a cherished place in any family's collection. These classic tales have captured the imaginations and hearts of children for generations. Competitively priced, with one full page illustration per spread and skillfully retold for a young reader, these are books that children and parents will want to read together over and over again.

This high interest/low vocabulary retelling of The Iliad introduces young readers to Homer's thrilling epic tale. Set during the siege of Troy, The Iliad is truly the ultimate adventure story. It is suitable for ages 7-9. Homer's The Iliad is the perfect way for young readers to become familiar with the epic tale of the Trojan War. Rewritten for third and fourth graders who can't quite tackle the original and older children at lower reading levels, this high interest/low vocabulary volume is truly the ultimate adventure story.