Stories, poems, and essays of high interest are grouped by theme to encourage students' critical thinking. A variety of authors and genres are represented. Vocabulary glosses explain unfamiliar words within the selections. Thinking Zone pages throughout the book teach literary terms within the context of the selections being studied and build on each other by providing questions for four different levels of thinking skills: literal, interpretive, critical, and appreciative. In addition to teaching literary terms, these questions also develop the students' abilities to respond biblically to literature. Unit Reviews provide additional review questions to prepare students for quizzes and tests. Colorful illustrations throughout add visual interest.