When I read The Magician’s Nephew with my students, they almost always notice echoes of the biblical creation story — and they’re right. In this article I follow three of those echoes: the world sung into being, the naming of the creatures, and the choice in the walled garden — with the questions that open each one up in the classroom.
The Magician’s Nephew and the Bible: An Intertextual Comparison Read Post »
In The Magician’s Nephew, C. S. Lewis wrote the origins of Narnia—yet he wrote them last, five years after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This article looks at what that “written later, set first” paradox means for the classroom, and at how the choice between publication and chronological order shapes the way students come to know the series.
Narnia Reading Order for the Classroom: Publication Order vs Chronological Order Read Post »
Cicero comes alive in the streets and Forum of ancient Rome—his speeches, ambitions, and moral challenges unfolding in real time. In Robert Harris’ Imperium, students encounter the drama, tension, and intrigue of the Roman Republic in a way that captivates even those usually reluctant to read novels.
Why do some literary characters stay with students long after the last page is turned? This article explores vulnerability, inner conflict, and personal growth as key elements that help middle school readers connect deeply with stories across classic and modern literature.
What Makes a Character Relatable to Middle School Students? Read Post »
In East of Eden, John Steinbeck introduces the Hebrew word timshel — “thou mayest” — as a lens for understanding human choice, moral responsibility, and freedom. This reflection explores how the concept resonates not only for characters like Cal but also for educators navigating the classroom.
What Timshel Means in East of Eden: Choice, Freedom, and Moral Responsibility Read Post »
To teach deeply, teachers must first read deeply. East of Eden by John Steinbeck illuminates the struggles of family, the weight of legacy, and the power of freedom — lessons that every educator can carry into their classroom.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck: A Must-Read for Educators Read Post »
