Sunday, April 11, 2010

Story Starter Idea #5

A film student decides to make a documentary about the memories of his ailing grandfather.
(from The Writer's Book of Matches)

Friday, April 9, 2010

Another Journey to the Center of the Earth

I recently finished reading Edgar Rice Burroughs' book At the Earth's Core.  It took me on a similar, yet different, kind of journey than Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth that I enjoyed so much a few years ago.

Burroughs deals much more with life in the center of the earth and the relationships between the humans of the outer world and the creatures of the inner world.  True, the story is as fantastical as can be with giant beasts and battles at every turn, but it certainly keeps your interest.

I must note that this book was written from an evolutionary standpoint.  In the inner world, the humans are subservient to the Mahers, or giant lizards.  There is also some mild mature themes such as the outer-earth human choosing a mate from the inner-earth and the mention of the way they dress (or half-dress).  These are handled rather delicately and are not over-exaggerated.

This book would probably be for high school and up.  Some of the battles are gruesome, and the Mahers have very disturbing temple practices.  It is a good page turner, but almost reads more like a modern CG movie script.  The ending could be viewed as genius or unsatisfactory, depending upon how you look at it.  In other words, the conflict is left unresolved.

Summary:
Genre:  Science fiction
Rating: ***
Possible Objectionable Content:  evolutionary themes, mildly sensual themes, violence
Reading Level:  high school and up

Download for Free:  At the Earth's Core

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Story Starter Idea #4

An eccentric old lady has a collection of Popsicle sticks.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Daddy-Long-Legs

When I first heard the title of this book, it made me think of the wispy little spiders with long legs.  But I assure you, this book has nothing to do with spiders.  It is the story of an orphan girl through the letters she writes to her secret benefactor.  The orphan girl calls her benefactor Daddy-Long-Legs because all she has ever seen of him is his shadow with really long legs.  It is a delightful story with a twist at the end.  Perfect reading for middle school and up.  A true classic.

Summary:
Genre:  orphanage life, college life, romance, correspondence 
Rating: ***** (five stars)
Possible Objectionable Content:  The main character is very independent and can get a little defiant at times.
Reading Level:  Middle school and up


Download for free:  Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Story Starter Idea #3

Two college engineering students invent something that could radically change the world.
(from The Writer's Book of Matches)

Email me your stories at classicsreview@yahoo.com.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Project Ideas for Teaching British Literature

Teaching British Literature is a challenge, but it can also be a lot of fun.  If you want ideas for fun student projects (useful for home school or traditional classroom), check out these links at Suite 101.

Macbeth Project Ideas
Beowulf Project Ideas

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Rudyard Kipling's "Rikki Tikki Tavi"

Rudyard Kipling is known for his books, short stories, and poems mostly dealing with life in India.  Often animals are main characters in his writings.  One of Kipling's beloved short stories is "Rikki Tikki Tavi".  Rikki Tikki is a mongoose who is very brave and becomes a hero when he stands against a deadly cobra.

Content Advisory:  Because Kipling writes of India, there are often references to the gods and idols worshiped in that country.

Read the short story here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/236/236-h/236-h.htm#2H_4_0009

Listen To Rikki Tikki Tavi -- This is an excellent reading of the short story.  Perfect for younger children to listen to.

There is also a classic cartoon made from the story.  You can order it from Amazon.com using this link.

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Story Starter Idea #2

A little girl's teddy bear starts talking to her about the weather.


This story starter would make an excellent children's book.  Try to find someone you know (even a little brother or sister) to illustrate the book for you.  Email your work to classicsreview@yahoo.com.