Further Up and Further In

This one-year unit study is probably the most appealing of all the Cadron Creek Literature Guides to both girls and boys. Following the seven Chronicles of Narnia books and targeted to grades 4-8, Further Up and Further In is also the broadest in scope. Students are familiarized with the works of Shakespeare and other key poets like Tennyson and Browning, learn about English history, learn to scan and analyze poetry, and even cook Turkish delight (once you've tasted it you'll understand why Edmund betrayed his siblings). This is the least hands-on of the series (you can't take a field trip to Narnia), but probably the most informative as to important cultural and artistic developments in the past two centuries. There is also a lot of interesting information about C.S. Lewis himself, his inspirations and influences, and how and why he wrote the Narnia books. A strong emphasis on understanding literature could make this a good jumping off point to Teaching the Classics or Windows to the World.