C.S. Lewis really shines in this famous work. The first of a series, the Lion, Witch, & the Wardrobe features four siblings who enter into a magical world. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy were sent to the countryside from London with thousands of other children to escape the Blitz during World War II. While exploring their new surroundings, the four stumble into the land of Narnia only to discover that they are prophesied to be the kings and queens of Narnia. They embark on an exciting adventure in which they befriend the god-like figure (Aslan) and defeat the evil white witch. Along the way, they build friendships, grow closer to each other, and mature as individuals.
This book provides a number of teaching points across a variety of reading levels. Leveled as a 6.1 text, Lion, Witch, & the Wardrobe contains some complex language, unfamiliar vocabulary, and an engaging plot. I have used this book with a student in a one-on-one setting. This student struggles with demonstrating comprehension when not engaged due to shyness and a distaste for writing. From the very first chapter, she was invested in the story and making test-self connections.
The story is unusual enough to be appropriate for superficial comprehension checks (plot, setting, character names, etc.). It also provides plenty of opportunities for higher-level thinking (justice interpretation, good v. evil discussion, religious metaphors, etc.), making it appropriate for older students as well
