From Atalanta to Zeus: Readers Theatre from Greek Mythology [Paperback]

Suzanne I. Barchers (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563088150 | ISBN-13: 978-1563088155 | Publication Date: April 15, 2001

Greek mythology, an important part of the curriculum for middle and high school students, serves as an exciting source of creative inspiration. Through these 26 scripts, you will not only introduce students to a fascinating body of literature, but also build their oral reading and presentation skills. Each script introduces a character from Greek mythology and chronicles some of the important mythical events surrounding the figure. Students get to know heroes, such as Heracles and Athena, in addition to lesser known but equally fascinating figures, such as Chiron and Asclepius. A pronunciation guide for more than 300 Greek names and a detailed index make this a user-friendly resource.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Should children a) meet myths early, but in bowdlerized or simplified versions, or b) wait until they can handle the psychosexual complexities characteristic of myths? If you vote for a), then you might want to look at this collection of more than 25 Greek myths prepared for read-aloud dramatics. The scripts cover most of the major and some of the minor deities' tales. The balance between dramatization and narrative varies widely: in some scripts (Dionysus, Hermes) characters have real dialogues, but in many cases (Heracles, Jason) the narrators are mostly reading a third-person account of events. Suggestions for adults about presentation, costumes, and delivery are included. On the minus side: there are errors of grammar; although the language is clear, the register is inconsistent (words like "bereft" join phrases like "You made it!"); and, most of all, some stories, like "Cupid and Psyche," are almost unrecognizable without their dark freight. Psyche is blamed here (whereas Cupid, who tries to protect himself from real intimacy and runs to Mom when his relationship falters, is equally immature); the sisters aren't jealous; Psyche doesn't carry a knife to kill her "monstrous" husband, so there's no real tension. Barchers's effort is well meaning, and some of this book could be useful for junior high students who might be frightened off by the adult content of more sophisticated versions. On the other hand, if they can deal with these names and intricate plots here, they might be able to handle more.

Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

A significant part (if not a cornerstone) of most any middle school literature curriculum, Greek mythology lends itself to exploration through readers theatre distinctly because of its trademark high drama and action. Each of these 26 scripts introduces a character or characters from Greek mythology and chronicles some of the important surrounding mythical events. Students get to know heroes, such as Heracles and Athena, in addition to lesser-known but equally fascinating figures, such as Chiron and Asclepius.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (April 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563088150
• ISBN-13: 978-1563088155
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,162 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Short Mythology skits, May 11, 2008

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JP (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: From Atalanta to Zeus: Readers Theatre from Greek Mythology (Paperback)

If you are teaching Greek Mythology, this is the book for you. the book includes everything from a pronunciation guide to delivery and costumes suggestions. This is a great way to either begin or end a unit on lythology, pair it with some read-a-louds of Greek or Roman myths and your students will become well versed in ancient Greece. Just be certain to use the pronunciation key because some of the names and locations can be tongue twisters.