4Real Forums: abridged classics for a 12yo?

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Topic: abridged classics for a 12yo?

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Natalia
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Posted: Jan 03 2006 at 11:06am \| IP Logged

We have been following MA suggestions for literature. This year they suggest reading Oliver Twist, Robison Crusoe, Little Women, Ivanhoe, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Around the World in 80 days. My dd read The Scarlet Pimpernel and loved it but then she decided to read Oliver Twist and found it too much.
I thought that I might give her an abridged version instead and leave the real thing for later. Would I ruin the real thing for her? Are there any good abridged versions that you reccomend that preserve well the spirit of the original?

Thanks,
Natalia

Cay Gibson
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Posted: Jan 03 2006 at 1:42pm \| IP Logged

Natalia,
It has been my limited experience that there is nothing wrong with using the great illustrated classics for children. Especially with reluctant boy readers.

My boys have been exposed to many great books this way at grammar age. My theory was, come high school, they would hopefully have an easier time understanding the plot and relating to the story when they read the unabridged version.

So far, my theory has proven correct.

My oldest read the abridged version of Robinson Crusoe back in 4th grade and declared it was his most favorite book in the whole world. He has since gone on to read the unabridged version and several other versions. He loves Robinson Crusoe all these years later (he's a senior).

My 12 yr old was introduced to Edgar Allan Poe this way. Whether he reads the unabridged version later in life or not, he knows the author and knows the stories. He can join in any conversation that comes up about Poe and something may trigger more interest later that might motivate him to study Poe on his own time and will.

For some dc it is better than giving them the unabridged version which is too mind-boggling for their intermidiate understanding.

I have also bought Classics Illustrated for the children when beginning their reading on Shakespeare.

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Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
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Natalia
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Posted: Jan 04 2006 at 12:10am \| IP Logged

Thanks Cay.
You have confirmed what I thought.

Natalia

Natalia
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Posted: Jan 04 2006 at 12:12am \| IP Logged

Forgot to ask: have you used any of the editions published by Barnes and Noble? Are they good quality?

Natalia

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