Exploring Themes is a unique approach to the study of literature. It presents authentic literature about people, their experiences, their differing value systems, and their ways of thinking. As students read they are asked to apply their prior knowledge, culture, and values to the content of each selection. The interplay between the reader and the text, as well as between the reader and others in the classroom, creates the interactive approach.

Exploring Themes features:
-- Selections by Howard Maier, John Steinbeck, Kahlil Gibran, and Jack London.
-- Stories, biographical sketches, essays, poetry, songs, and cartoons through which students explore universal themes that speak to the soul of the reader: growing up, survival, adjusting to new cultural surroundings, and more.
-- Pre- and post-reading activities help students discover meaning at several different levels. Some target skill areas are exploring conflict, discovering the character, and reading critically.