Reading Between the Lines [Beyond Books]

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1. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

2. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

3. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

4. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

5. Holes by Louis Sachar

6. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

7. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

8. The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

9. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

10. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

11. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

12. The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

Reading is a habit that should be acquired young. Those who realize the importance of books as children will likely continue to read on their own as young adults. Here, two adults share one of their favorite books with some eager listeners.

You stand at the crossroads of chapter books and adult literature. You are already a good reader, but you think you might be missing something. Perhaps you recognize that there may be something more to a story than simply its plot.

Characters seem real. You might even carry the memories of their experiences with you, much like those of real people whom you have met. Although the characters are fictional, their problems are important, and their situations resonate meaningful truths. Maybe they speak to you in a voice that you struggle to interpret. Perhaps you are not sure what you are supposed to understand.

You know you need to dig a little deeper to uncover the message the author is sending, but you don't quite know how to begin. You have reached an important moment in your journey, for you already understand that books are powerful. Now you need to read between the lines.

Reading Between the Lines is an interactive exploration of a sampling of beloved and respected novels in young adult literature. Most of the titles are Newbery Award winners or recipients of other honors. Some are perennial favorites.

John Newbery Medal
This program is a thematic journey across many worlds. Step through the wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and into the land of fantasy. In Narnia, the eternal struggle between good and evil is fought. And in A Wrinkle in Time, the same war rages, but in an intergalactic setting. You can even explore the struggle between good guys and bad guys on the streets of New York City in The Pushcart War. Some settings are remote lands where young women, such as Miyax in Julie of the Wolves and Karana in Island of the Blue Dolphins, discover inner strength and struggle to define themselves in isolation.

While some characters struggle on their own, others have to navigate through difficult relationships in search of making a connection. Bud in Bud, Not Buddy and Jeffrey in Maniac Magee both endure hostility, loneliness, and loss before they find their respective ways home.

Home and family are important, but so are meaningful friendships. The secret land of Terabithia may exist only in the imaginations of two children, but the friendship that Jesse and Leslie build in Bridge to Terabithia is very real. And so is the friendship that April and Melanie find in their make-believe world in The Egypt Game.

Christopher Paul Curtis, the author of Bud, Not Buddy, is a writer who addresses the importance of home and family with honesty and a sense of humor.
Everyone needs friends, but they are no substitute for introspection. Just ask Stanley Yelnats in Holes. His life is a hard one until he finds his inner strength. And then there is Harriet of Harriet the Spy. She has to learn some hard truths on her own. But her struggle, too, builds character.

And the game that engages all of the characters in The Westing Game teaches them the value of introspection and helps them grow. They become better people and are able to offer more to their community.

The lessons all of these novels teach are part of the purpose of reading. Literature helps us look inside ourselves and relate to the world around us. If we are open to the experience, literature can help us grow. Are you ready for the challenge?

In Reading Between the Lines, you will not only discover the meaning of themes, the motivations of characters, and the power of language, but you will be also have the chance to be the author. The program is populated with many writing, speaking, and listening exercises that encourage your involvement. Click on "You Try It" to enjoy an opportunity to put your new skills to work. Share your accomplishments with your teacher, or save your writings for revision later.

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time has become a classic of young adult literature. Like other science fiction stories, A Wrinkle in Time is imaginative and truly captivating.
But this program isn't all about work. There's a lot of fun along the way. Quiz yourself on important concepts by playing the interactive challenges based on the books. You will find them in every unit. And there are many more highlights. For example, you can also listen to poetry readings (1f), dance to a little jazz music (6d), see the steps of mummy-making (8), or read a history of science fiction (11e).

Most importantly, you have the chance to read, to think, and to grow. This experience belongs to you. Make the journey your own by opening yourself to the power of books.

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Reading Between the Lines

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