Jane Eyre

Gr 7 Up—These graphic interpretations of literary classics have been republished as "English Language Teaching Readers." These extensively edited versions remain true to the originals to the extent possible, both in terms of using actual snippets from the author's original texts as well as preserving the overarching themes. The entire stories are told through speech balloons rather than through a running narration. Particularly with Shakespeare's plays, this format offers readers an experience closer to a theatrical performance than a prose condensation of the plot. Most acts and scenes are included, although heavily edited. The same care and attention to detail that was evident in the original series is presented here. Excellent graphics bring the stories to life and set the mood. Lush art in jewel tones heightens interest. All of the titles are replete with support materials beginning with an illustrated cast of characters and an introduction or plot summary and concluding with back matter such as an author biography and historical background. Macbeth in particular includes a wealth of additional resources such as a main-character summary, family tree, link map of characters, and a listing of famous quotations. Most useful in a classroom setting, these volumes could serve as introductions to literary classics as well as companion volumes for students benefiting from a modified text.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY