It is important that students learn to analyze and interpret the literature they read—not only for good results on standardized tests, but also for enjoyment throughout their lives. To get the most out of what they read, they should be able to analyze a work’s literary elements. This book is designed to help students in grades five through eight achieve that goal. Grades 5 through 8.

This book includes the following:
       • Plot and Conflict
       • Character
       • Setting
       • Point of View
       • Tone
       • Mood
       • Style
       • Theme
       • Genre

Format
Each Literary Element Section includes…
       • Definition / Explanation
       • One or More Examples in Classic or Modern Literature
       • Skill-building Activities Based on the Story Element

Download the Table of Contents pages here.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, .5.9, 5.10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1, 6.2, 6.3 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, .6.9, 6.10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.1, 7.2, 7.3 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, .7.9, 7.10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.1, 8.2, 8.3 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, .8.9, 8.10

Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.
Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems as needed at the high end of the range.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010