The Iliad - Standard Edition

Author

Homer (adapted by Frances Bianchi & Mara Seronda)

Publisher

 Ollada de Tinta

Edition

Second Edition, February 2026

Format

Paperback (Color Interior), Illustrated

104 pages

ISBN

979-13-991789-5-1

Language

American English (US spelling and style)

Recommended Age Range

Ages 11+

This recommendation reflects the thematic intensity and emotional weight of the story as presented in this adaptation.
While the narrative language is clear and accessible, the text deals with sustained conflict, war, loss, anger, and the consequences of human actions, which require a higher level of emotional and cognitive maturity.

• Readers aged 11–12:
  Best suited for guided reading, shared classroom use, or independent reading by confident readers. Adult or teacher support may help contextualize the characters’ actions and the unfolding conflict.

• Readers aged 13–14 and up:
  Readers are typically able to read independently and engage more fully with the motivations of the characters, the progression of the conflict, and the consequences of choices made throughout the narrative.

Recommended Grade Levels (USA)

Grades 6–8

• Middle School literature units

• Classical literature or mythology contexts

• Independent or guided reading

• Family reading with mature readers

Reading Level & Accessibility

Middle Grade / Standard Literary Adaptation

• Continuous narrative prose

• Chronological storytelling

• Chapters structured for sustained reading

Designed for:

• Independent reading

• Shared reading

• Readers transitioning to longer literary texts

Educational Value

This Standard Edition focuses on retelling the narrative of The Iliad in an accessible form for young readers, maintaining the core events, characters, and conflicts of the epic.

While grounded in Homer’s poem, the adaptation goes beyond the original narrative scope to offer a broader view of the Trojan War, integrating key events that frame the conflict and help readers understand its full arc as a complete story.

Through the narrative, readers encounter:

• A foundational work of classical literature

• The central events and characters of the Trojan War

• Narrative conflict within the epic tradition 

Curriculum Applications

Suitable for:

• Middle School literature units

• Classical mythology or ancient history contexts

• Independent reading projects

• Family reading and homeschool settings

Educational Focus Areas

• Epic narrative structure

• Character actions and motivations

• Cause and consequence within the story

• Themes of conflict, honor, loyalty, and loss

• Cultural foundations of Western literature

Content Considerations

• Sustained depictions of war and conflict

• Illustrations depicting death or mortal injury, presented in a non-explicit but emotionally intense manner

• Themes of anger, honor, loss, grief, and consequence

• Scenes that may be emotionally distressing for sensitive readers

• No explicit or graphic violence

• Age-appropriate presentation throughout

Supplementary Materials

• This edition does not include supplementary educational materials.

Classification Summary

• Genre: Literary adaptation / Classical epic

• Audience: Middle School readers (11+)

• Primary Use: Independent or shared reading

• Secondary Use: Classroom discussion or enrichment (teacher-directed)

• Adoption-Friendly: Yes

• Student-Ready: Yes (with appropriate guidance)