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The Trojan War Review

Once again, I am using Coolidge's THE TROJAN WAR to teach a literature class for my college-bound, English as a Second Language (ESL) students. My students are mostly college-age students who have already received an education and English training in their home countries, but have come to America to continue their studies.

My international students, most of whom come from Asia, the Mideast, and other non-Western cultures, always enjoy Coolidge's THE TROJAN WAR. The stories are new to them, and one of the great pleasures that I have as an ESL teacher is introducing my ESL students to the Judgment of Paris, the Wrath of Achilles, the Fall of Troy, the Wanderings of Odysseus, and the other great stories of the Trojan cycle.

The age-level listed for this book is 9-12, and I would say that is about right. THE TROJAN WAR is high-interest, and tells a great story: It is not unusual for my students to read ahead because they are so enthralled with the book. One advantage of this book is that it covers the entire cycle of the Trojan myth. Each chapter is about eight to ten pages long and tells one story from the Trojan cycle; that makes it very easy to teach from. Sadly, many of Odysseus' adventures from THE ODYSSEY are omitted or briefly summarized.

If you have read Homer, this book will offer you little, but if you are a precocious middle-schooler or an interntational student from China or Saudi Arabia, this book can be a real page-turner. As one of my students from Ghana wrote when he reviewed my class at the end of the session, "These are the stories that make you love literature."

Enough said.

The Trojan War Overview

In this retelling of the Trojan War, Olivia Coolidge crafts heroes and gods into real, multidimensional characters, not just the figures of legend. Vibrant storytelling and finely wrought action have made her version of the classic tale of the Fall of Troy accessible to generations of young readers.

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Customer Reviews

Best kid's version I've found so far as a read aloud to littles - kalanamak - Pacific NW
My 6 year old asks to go on and on. I have to simplify a word here and there, and sometimes we stop and go over who is who, but I know he is listening by the questions he asks.
I have other versions for kids, but this is the one he "took to".

The Trojan War v. Troy - Randy Fields -
Although many students are familiar with the version of the Trojan War made popular by Wolfgang Petersen, Coolidge presents a well-researched, chronological narrative that draws from the primary sources familiar to both the modern and ancient world. Aeschylus, "Homer," Vergil, inter al. speak in Coolidge's work, allowing students to gain an understanding of what "really" happened in Troy. Middle grade students can read this version and build a solid foundation for other primary source readings in high school. The chapters are brief and can be assigned as daily readings that do not overwhelm students. I highly recommend this book.

11 year old boy review - Elizabeth Griesemer - Reading, PA United States
This story is a classical story. I am sure you have heard the story of the Trojan horse. Well, this book tells you why the horse was even built. This is a good story of how the war came to be, and there is so much information about both sides. You will not be able to decide which side you want to win. This book is so interesting, and you will learn a lot about Greece and Troy (Troy is where the Trojans live if you do not know). This book is definitely an action war kind of book, and if you like a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then you will love this story. I really recommend reading this book.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 18, 2010 15:40:05

Children's Books

Sunday, July 18, 2010