I’m very familiar with those books, and I have actually suggested them for parents to use when their kids simply won’t read college reading list material (which can happen for a variety of reasons.) They do have illustrations, which can help remedial readers but annoy older teens. I believe they are written at a 5th grade reading level. An adult reader can get through each book in perhaps 1-2 hours. The editing isn’t in beautiful prose – in other words, they aren’t that well written from a literary perspective. They ARE true to the story line, however. I really think a student will get a sense for the book by reading them, and that can benefit them. They just won’t be getting the vocabulary or the “ear” for great literature.
A similar idea is to have kids read the GABB, “Great American Bathroom Book” which has a concise 2 page synopsis of great literature. You may be able to find that at Amazon. They don’t have pictures, and it’s meant for adults, so the reading level is more challenging.
Again, you don’t get the vocabulary or the “ear” for literature, but you do get the story line.
Hope that helps!
Blessings,
Lee
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Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
Debbie says:
Lee,
I wanted to comment on these books.
We have used them a bit differently. Our very avid reading 3rd grader enjoys these, but in conjunction with the unabridged version. I will read the original and then he reads the Illustrated Classic. This has given him a great sense of being able to read the story himself, without it being too heavy. We also have been able to compare and talk about what was left out or how they might have worded things differently.
It has worked out really well for us doing it this way.
November 9th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
The HomeScholar says:
Debbie,
Yes, I always viewed the Great Illustrated Classics they way I did the Wishbone Series of books. My boys are older now and they bring Dostoevsky, Jane Austen and Shakespeare home from the library for “fun”! Your strategy will pay great dividends! Great job, Mom!
Blessings,
Lee
November 9th, 2007 at 8:17 pm