World Myths

by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin

Book Overview

Hi/lo anthology of classic world myths for reluctant readers in grades 6?12. Includes "The Death of Osiris," "Finn MacCool's Revenge," "Rama and Sita," "Bao Chu's Search for the Sun," and others.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156312209X
• ISBN13: 9781563122095
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Perfection Learning
• Length: 166 Pages
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Good Emphasis on Vocabulary Skills & Cultural Understanding

Nine myths from a wide variety of cultures are presented in this hardcover, illustrated edition. A map in the front of the book shows the countries of the stories' origins. Each story includes a vocabulary preview with definitions, and list of characters and character descriptions, and a commentary which provides historical background and cultural insights. The book is part of a series by Perfection Learning which is geared for low reading level, high interest. Written at a sixth grade reading level, the book is recommended for 6-12th grade students. I particularly like the approach to include vocabulary growth and give cultural insights. Many books of myths make little or no effort to place the stories in context or provide meaningful vocabulary growth objectives. The cover and layout of the book are very appealing. Myths central to the ancient mythology of the selected cultures are included, such as The Death of Osiris (Egyptian), The Twins' Visit fo the Underworld (Mayan), Izanami and Izanagi (Japanese), Rama and Sita (Hindu), and Gilgamesh (Sumerian/Babylonian). The insights provided at the end of each story help us to appreciate the religious beliefs held in the earliest beginnings of these cultures.