The Iliad and the Trojan War Classroom Edition

Author

Homer (adapted by Frances Bianchi & Mara Seronda)

Publisher

 Ollada de Tinta

Edition

Second Edition, March 2026

Format

Paperback (Black & White Interior), Illustrated

194 pages

ISBN

979-1399178975

Language

American English (US spelling and style)

Recommended Age Range

Ages 10–15

This age range reflects the ethical depth, narrative complexity, and flexible instructional design of the Classroom Edition.

• Ages 10–12: Accessible through adapted literary language, short and clearly structured chapters, built-in vocabulary support, and guided comprehension activities. Best suited to shared reading and scaffolded discussion.

• Ages 13–15: Supports independent reading and deeper engagement with moral dilemmas, leadership decisions, emotional conflict, symbolism, and cause-and-effect relationships.

Recommended Grade Levels (USA)

Grades 6–9

Especially suitable for Grades 6–8.

Reading Level & Accessibility

Middle Grade · Classroom Adaptation

Clear, literary, but accessible prose

Short, carefully paced chapters

Designed for support:

• Guided reading

• Independent reading

• Shared classroom reading

• ESL and multilingual learners

Classroom Use & Placement Overview

• Recommended placement: Quarter 2–3 (mid to late school year)

• Primary instructional role:
  Teacher-guided classroom resource and thematic anchor 

• Typical instructional duration:
  6–8 weeks

• Instructional formats supported:

  • Whole-class reading

  • Guided discussion

  • Independent reading with reflective writing

• Best implemented when:
  Students are prepared for sustained discussion, ethical analysis, and interpretation of complex character motivations and consequences.

This edition is particularly well suited for classrooms ready to engage with moral conflict, leadership under pressure, and the emotional consequences of human choice within a structured and supportive instructional framework.

Instructional Design & Pedagogical Value

Each chapter follows a dual instructional structure, integrating reading and learning without interrupting narrative flow.

Student Activities include:

• Understand the Story – comprehension aligned with key events, motivations, and consequences

• Think and Discuss – prompts supporting ethical reasoning and interpretation

• Create – structured writing or perspective-based response tasks

• Did You Know? – cultural, historical, and mythological context

• Vocabulary Support – key terms reinforced through contextual use

Teacher Notes in every chapter provide:

• instructional focus and learning emphasis,

• guidance for discussion and ethical reflection,

• practical classroom use suggestions.

This structure allows educators to teach directly from the book without requiring external guides or supplementary materials.

View Instructional Design & Pedagogical Framework

Teacher Introduction (End of Book)

A comprehensive Teacher Introduction at the end of the book supports:

• thematic synthesis across chapter blocks,

• learning objectives and skills development,

• differentiation and accessibility,

• suggested pacing and classroom approaches,

• essential questions for final reflection and discussion.

Curriculum Applications

• Middle School English Language Arts (ELA)

• Adapted classical literature and mythology units

• Greek mythology and ancient world studies

• Cross-curricular instruction (ELA + History / Humanities)

• Guided ethical and reflective discussion

The book may function as a core text, supplemental reading, or thematic anchor.

Standards Alignment

This Classroom Edition is designed to support instruction aligned with Common Core State Standards in:

• Reading Literature

• Speaking & Listening

• Language

Across Grades 5–9, depending on instructional context and scaffolding.

View Standards Alignment & Chapter-Level Examples

Content Considerations

• Mythological violence and war themes (non-graphic, age-appropriate)

• Themes of loss, sacrifice, leadership, deception, and consequence

• No explicit content

• Appropriate for classroom use with guided discussion

Instructional & Teacher Support

This Classroom Edition functions as a self-contained instructional resource, with optional supplementary materials available for assessment and planning.

Optional downloadable resources may include:

• assessment rubrics for reading comprehension,

• written and perspective-based response evaluation,

• oral participation and discussion assessment.

These materials support formative assessment, differentiation, and instructional flexibility.

View Assessment & Evaluation Framework

Classification Summary

• Genre: Classroom literary adaptation / Classical mythology
  Instructional level: Upper elementary and middle school (Grades 6–9)
  Primary use: Classroom instruction (teacher resource)

• Secondary use:
  • Homeschool instruction
  • Teacher-led reading programs
  • Literature discussion groups

• Adoption-friendly: Yes
  Teacher-ready: Yes

Companion Reading Edition

The Iliad: An Illustrated Retelling of the Trojan War for Young Readers

ISBN: 9791399178951

Available separately for student reading.