From Hinton to Hamlet: Building Bridges between Young Adult Literature and the Classics

by Sarah K. Herz, Donald R. Gallo

The required classics in grades 7-12 are often too complex and removed from adolescent experience. This informative text uses thematic groupings built around recent young adult literature (YAL) as bridges to the classics. This second edition, which the authors have revised and greatly expanded, emphasizes the goal of helping teenagers become lifetime readers, as well as critical and confident readers. By pairing the required classics and young adult literature around common themes, the authors illustrate specific theme connections and include extensive lists of annotated YAL titles at the end of each classic title. The new edition features more than 1,000 titles, hundreds published in the last five years. Thirty-three recent YAL titles are included as theme connectors among the twelve most frequently taught classics.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Grad School, Teaching, Classics, Shakespeare

276 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 1996

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters are valuable, but the rest of the book is simply a resource when considering what to pair with the Classic curriculum. I am still left with many questions about implementing YA novels into the classroom, and the feasibility of doing this in public education in a less well-off school district.

[Kerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't finished this only because I think most of the rest of it is more of a reference type book for when I begin teaching. However, there are wonderful ideas for matching classic novels up with young adult fiction to help teens bridge between the two. I think this is a good reference book and I am sure I will use it in the future.

[ChelseaRenee Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated as far as references, but all in all, one of the most helpful texts I’ve received so far in grad school, especially when it comes to teaching young adults and YA fiction.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my "Library Materials for Young Adults" course in library school. I remember it being a great resource.

[Anna Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have the second, revised and expanded edition on hold at the library. This one needs to be retired as it is HORRENDOUSLY out of date!!! It repeated the same 20 book recommendations ad nauseam, for all different kinds of themes and genres. It got repetitive, far too phony and didn't have nearly enough analytical material or real-life examples of young adult lit juxtaposed with classic lit. Not enough by far. I am going to read the next edition and rate it separately. What can I say, I'm an eternal optimist! :)

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently re-read this seminal work from Sarah Herz, especially since I've spent time this year helping students build bridges from YA to classic texts. This professional development book is a great reminder of our important work in schools, reminding us of the importance of deep reading and meaningful responses to literature.

[Kandi Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wealth of information for English teachers. It provides thematic ties so you are able to pair classic works with modern young adult novels. I will be referring to this constantly with my classes!

[Stacy Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource book for identifying ways in which students can bridge the gap between contemporary literature to the canon. I loved it!

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cool book that takes classics and then gives YA literature that has the same themes. A fellow teacher used it for Great Gatsby and I am going to use it for Huck Finn.

[Maggie Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for Great YA connections to the classics!!! Great to get students to relate to readings!

[Sara]

I am temporarily abandoning this book because my library only has the first edition (1996), and the titles recommended are too out of date. Will someday read the second edition.

[EvaLovesYA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brugt til speciale om Young Adult-litteratur (2017)

[Mary Alise Herrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely need the more current edition! I skipped a lot.