The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (Choice)

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a book about four children who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that opens their lives to the world of Narnia. This book, set in the era of WWII, shows a world of imagination as the four children are challenged with defeating the white queen, who has magically made winter everlasting for Narnia. The children meet various animals, who all help lead them to Aslan, the all powerful lion who, along with the help of the forest animals and the children, will defeat the white witch and bring spring to the land of Narnia. This book is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series and is the first of many adventures that these chosen children (two girls and two boys) will embark upon.

I would use this book in the classroom through literature circles. Literature circles would allow students to discuss the text and identify important themes that run within the story. Students could also compare the similarities and differences between this book and the major motion picture, the Chronicles of Narnia, to see how the story has changed. This book is a great example of fantasy fiction and could also inspire writing samples from students about what they would do if they found a magical land inside of their own closet.