Big List of Free Glencoe Literature Study Guides for Reading

Published:
July 9, 2021

Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa

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The Glencoe Literature Library is an amazing resource that offers a collection of hardcover books to help your homeschool extend its literature studies. Explore over 70 free Glencoe Literature study guides from the Glencoe Literature Library to take a deeper dive into reading this homeschool year.

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What is Glencoe Literature Library?

Glencoe Literature Library offers FREE study guides for many literary works.  Each study guide includes background information and reproducible activity pages for students, along with a brief description of the novel or play, a list of its related readings.

NOTE: You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™ version 3.0 or later to access the study guides.

Why should students use a study guide?

A study guide is important to give kids for good reason. Many times when students read a book, it is hard for them to learn concepts. With study tools, kids learn what they should hold on to from the material.

Surely, some books are better than others. Kids enjoy some and some not so much. Regardless, of them “liking” the material or not, study guides assure kids can get the very most out of the text.

Study guides help your students focus on important concepts and improve a student’s comprehension of what they are reading. In addition, help kids organize information and check for understanding.

This Glencoe Literature Library is an extremely valuable resource for our homeschools. These study guides, to go alongside the books, add value to the library throughout your homeschoolers’ journey.

2022 Update on Glencoe Literature Library

McGraw-Hill has removed the free Glencoe Literature Library. Please visit this post for an updated list for free book study guides. We will replace the links below as we find appropriate free resources to replace them. 

Over 70 Free Literature Study Guides:

A – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Across Five Aprils-  This study guide helps kids get through Irene Hunt’s novel. The book is about a family divided between opposing sides of the Civil War. The main character is Jethro who is too young to reenlist but still faces the struggles between the family.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – This novel by Mark Twain continues to influence readers today. The story is about the mysterious Huck Finn and his friend Jim. Jim helps Huck understand the meaning of friendship and freedom while on an adventure. Help your kids 

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – The infamous Mark Twain produced this enduring classic about the childhood memoirs of Tom Sawyer. The story depicts the humorous side of growing up in the 1840s. The literature study guides will help kids take literature notes and understand the message of the text.

All Quiet on the Western Front – This novel by Erich Maria Remarque is about Paul, a 19-year-old who fights in the German army on the French Front of World War I. He and some friends were sold a tall story about the war. They quickly realized it was more of a terror than an honorable feat.

. . . And the Earth Did Not Devour Him – Tomás River’s novel depicts the strength of a migrant community in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. This book is a compilation of short stories/vignettes from the life of a young boy from this community. 

Animal Farm – The author George Orwel tells the tale of oppressed individuals longing for freedom yet got corrupted by power that originally oppressed them. It’s a tale of the personification of animals to depict the Communist system in the former Soviet Union.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin – Benjamin Franklin wrote his autobiography which includes his time as a scientist, statesman, philosopher, businessman, civic leader. His story is an enduring source of inspiration, a true rags-to-riches story.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman – This is book is about Jane Pittman, a woman with many stories to tell. She was born into slavery and lives through the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Although we can’t go back in history, this study guide will help your students to comprehend from one point of view.

B – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Bearstone – The study guide for Will Hobbs’ book will take your students through the story of a young Native American boy. He goes through life experiences and truths that help him change his view of the future and his heritage.

Beowulf – This version of Beowulf is a translation by Burton Raffel. Although Beowulf sets on a journey to face a monster, Grendel, adventurous isn’t the only thing kids will get from the book. They will learn from the literature study guides that humility, respect, and thinking can go a long way.

Bridge to Terabithia – Katherine Paterson presents the strength and encouragement of a  childhood friendship through an imaginary world. Your student can get some study help to experiencing loss, grief, and pain.

The Brothers Karamazov – This book is considered Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece portraying Russian life in the 19th century. True faith is explored in the text which can be guided by this study resource and reading tool. 

C – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

The Call of the Wild – This classic tale by Jack London follows a dog who goes from a comfortable domesticated life to the harsh wild terrain of Alaska to work as a sled dog. From a literature study guide, kids will better understand the relationship between a dog’s life and human adventure or danger that comes with change.

The Canterbury Tales – Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales are a series of stories with characters of all different standing in life. They tell amazing stories to each other in an inn. This classic work of literature is best examined through a study guide for kids.

Cezanne Pinto – This story by Mary Stolz describes a boy’s journey in significant detail. Kids can study the Civil war with this story about a slave, a free man, and self-made success on his journey to find his mother.

The Christmas of the Phonograph Records In this literary tale, Mari Sandoz tells about a family’s experience after purchasing their very own phonograph. Allow your kids to dissect this book by studying its events and emotions.

The Chosen – If your homeschool is studying the Holocaust this year, then Chaim Potok’s book will help them learn about the lives of two Jewish men. They have different backgrounds but form a friendship and a journey through their faith.

The Clay Marble – This book by Minfong Ho, is the story of a Cambodian girl who went through the execution of her father, a refugee camp, and more. Explore through the literature study guides how her courage and wisdom allow her to overcome.

Cyrano de Bergerac – Edmond Rostand has written this play about Cyrano, a character with a facial feature that has caused him great despair. This is a great book to use with a study tool as it brings out a deeper theme of what true beauty is and how outward appearance is nothing compared to a generous heart.

D – G Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Dragonwings – This story by Laurence Yep is about an 8-year-old buy leaves China to live in San Francisco with his dad, a master kitemaker. Allow the study guides to help your kids understand life through Chinese tradition and culture and an attempt to execute a dangerous attempt at flight.

Ethan Frome – Edith Wharton’s tale uses personal experiences to tell this message of silence, isolation, illusion, and the consequences. Grab this literature study guide in order to help your kids explore these themes at home.

Frankenstein – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is one of the first science fiction stories of its time. This book is a must-read for your kids and this literature guide can help kids explore this classic.

The Friends – Kids will enjoy this story by Rosa Guy. It explores the theme of friendships and how they are formed even through trials.

The Glory Field – Use the study guide for Walter Dean Myers’ The Glory Field to examine issues like growing up and the meaning of being part of a family.

Great Expectations – Charles Dickens’ Great Expectation is a classic with amazing writing and colorful characters about poverty and wealth, expectations and reality.

H – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Hamlet – Everyone knows about William Shakespeare’s comprehensive collection of classics. This PDF great ebook of Hamlet can take this classic right to your home. Then, the study guide will help your kids try to understand this thought-provoking novel.

Hatchet – If your child has recently experienced some struggles, this novel by Gary Paulson is a great ebook to read. The young boy Bryan will help teach your kids about courage and resourcefulness.

Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad uses symbolism and great detail to describe the main character’s journey and the Congo. Use Glencoe’s free study tool to research the Congo and to dissect the unique main character.

High Elk’s Treasure – Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve’s wrote this historical fiction novel about descendants of the Sioux and Lakota people. If your students are studying Native American history, then the study guides will take them through reservations. They also can enjoy horses, as well as rich characters, and cultural heritage.

A House for Mr. Biswas This geographical fiction by V. S. Naipaul takes kids through some experiences from his childhood as a Hindu Indian living in what was then the British colony of Trinidad. Your children can use the free study guides to explore other traditions, experiences, and cultural riches.

The House of Dies Drear – If your kids like suspenseful, mysterious stories then they will enjoy Virginia Hamilton’s novel. It explores prejudice, the Underground Railway, and the African American cultural history.

I – L Glencoe Literature Library study guides

I, Juan de Pareja – Personal freedom, artistic expression, this story by Elizabeth Borton de Treviño explores so much that our kids can glean from. Kids can use these study guides for these themes but also research the historical events woven through the text.

Island of the Blue Dolphins – Your kids won’t want to miss this Scott O’Dell tale about the life of a remarkable Native American woman who was off in search of her lost brother.

Jane Eyre – If your student is learning about points of view in literature, then Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is the perfect novel. It explores the first-person view of an intelligent woman who overcomes class prejudices, unjust actions, and difficult struggles.

Johnny Tremain – Although Esther Forbes’ quality ebook is about overcoming obstacles, it is also a historical piece of following life leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The main character even comes in contact with famous individuals kids can link to history.

Julie of the Wolves – Jean Craighead George’s geographical piece focuses on Julie uses her knowledge of traditional Inuit ways to make in the harsh frozen Arctic tundra. She even survives with a wolf pack! Kids will enjoy this one.

M – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka’s work is a transformative (literally) piece where a boy mysteriously wakes up to find he is a giant insect. Kids can resonate with this as many struggle with feelings of not fitting in or being different.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – This is one of William Shakespeare’s comical pieces which follows young lovebirds into a magical forest. Kids will enjoy the mischievous and spunky elf that causes masses of chaos.

Missing May – Use this new book study guide to explore Cynthia Rylant about love and grief. Similarly, life can be tough and if your kids have seen grief around them, this story will help them.

My Ántonia – The range of themes for Willa Cather’s novel will help any student get a better understanding of various aspects of life. In general, they will learn about family, companionship, immigrant struggles, changes, and more. The best thing is that the story recounts childhood experiences kids will relate to.

N – O Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Nectar in a Sieve – Kamala Markandaya’s novel is a text that carefully depicts hope and dignity despite horrible environments, poverty, and enduring pain. Your kids will get the most out of this story with this free PDF study guide.

Night – Elie Wiesel’s autobiography explores the elements of personal experience in the Holocaust. A boy and his father face horrors in concentration camps and only one survives. Older kids can get the most out of this study guide with the accounts of terror, guilt, and faith.

Number the Stars – This fictional historical adventure piece by Lois Lowry takes your students through the evacuation of Jews from Germany to Denmark during the Nazi reign. Additionally, the adventure tells of a family’s escape, bravery, strength, and honor.

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich – Sometimes our kids can forget history and appreciate the struggles of others. These study guides will take them through Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s novel about a simple carpenter trying to survive under a horrific Soviet labor camp.

P – R Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Picture Bride – Yoshiko Uchida tells a story of a Japanese arranged marriage that experiences a relocation to an internment camp while in America. Consequently, they also experience challenges, prejudice, and difficult circumstances.

The Pigman – The impacts of choices and consequences is explored in Paul Zindel’s novel. Above all, students will be able to learn about betrayal, trust, and the value of honesty.

Pride and Prejudice – This infamous work of art from Jane Austen explores the dynamics of relationships. Glencoe’s Literature Library provides this classic ebook study guide so kids can truly read this interesting piece.

The Red Badge of Courage – Grab your free literature study guide for Stephen Crane’s novel. In this case, kids will go through the personal experience of a Civil War soldier in terror and bravery.

S – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne’s epic tale of handles intense situations. In particular, it deals with symbolism, supernatural events, and adultery.

The Secret Sharer – Joseph Conrad’s use of symbol and careful detail tells a story of ambition, loyalty, murder, and uncertainty. Children who go through decision-making struggles can get them talking about this tale with the study guides.

A Separate Peace – With all the peer struggles students can go through, John Knowles’ novel is a great historical book for kids to read. Two boys, one athlete and one studious student, are at odds while they are boarding school during World War II.

Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind – Suzanne Fisher Staples’ novel and the Glencoe literature study guide will help kids dissect very difficult scenarios. In name, students will explore joy, challenges, nomadic Pakistani desert dwellers, and a young woman in that culture.

Shiloh – Kids are forced to make decisions we probably don’t even know about. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s novel explores the decisions between right and wrong.

The Slave Dancer – Paula Fox’s tale is a difficult one to go through with the kids. With this in mind, the book deals with kidnapping, slavery, and humiliation. The free literature study guides will your students face these difficult realities of history.

So Far from the Bamboo Grove – The study guide for Yoko Kawashima Watkins’ will help kids think about tough situations. The setting of the book is a time in Korea full of turmoil and characters go through heartbreak, cruelty, and more.

Sounder – Black history IS American history and William H. Armstrong’s novel provides the truths of segregation in the rural South in the early 1900s. 

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – This absolute classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson is a great read for your kids to explore with a study guide. It will get your kids to discuss the good and bad sides of mankind.

The Summer of the Swans – Many kids will resonate with Betsy Byars’ novel. It deals with issues many kids deal with like feeling insecure and wishing they had different home situations.

T – Glencoe Literature Library study guides

A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens’ infamous novel tells the tale of the tumultuous years leading up to the French Revolution of 1789. Specifically, this classic is a must-read for kids.

The Tempest – William Shakespeare takes kids on a journey with characters being abandoned at sea to taking refuge on a magical island. USe the Glencoe literature study guides to explore the story theme, magic, revenge, romance, and morality.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee’s tale of a prisoner that has been falsely accused of rape. The study guides include a section for active reading which introduces kids to the novel characters.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar – Learn more about William Shakespeare and analyze literature with these study guides. This work is Shakespeare’s novel about fate versus free will is his most widely read and quoted. 

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle – Avi writes about adventure and self-discovery. This literature study guide includes a great character study and comparison of the characters.

Tuck Everlasting – This compelling story by Natalie Babbitt is about the discovery of a spring of life. People discover the spring and readers will grasp the adventure, imagination, and real-life issues of ethics and greed.

W – Z Glencoe Literature Library study guides

Walk Two Moons – Sharon Creech writes a story kids can relate to as it gets into situations where the character isn’t really sure how to react or how to feel. That happens to so many teens, I think they will really enjoy this.

Where the Red Fern Grows – The Depression is an important part of American history and the novel by Wilson Rawls helps tell a story about it. One of the study tools is a graphic following the characters and conflict.

Winter Thunder – Mari Sandoz tells the intriguing story of a school bus crash in the middle of a huge blizzard. With the Glencoe study guide, students will practice active reading by logging in the setting, characters, and main conflict.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond – The Puritan era and its difficult stern ways are explored in Elizabeth George Speare’s novel. The study tools really help kids study. My favorite tools in this study tool are the vocabulary and the comparison of a character’s old home and Puritan home.

A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle’s scientific magical fiction novel adventures through different themes like good and evil. The literature study tool comes with an organizer to track the events from the magical planet in the story.

Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë’s masterpiece in storytelling is about romance and class differences. Because the story has dramatic scenes the study toolhelps kids write about the scenes, speeches, and dialogue.

The Yearling – The novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is full of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and danger. Kids will get the most out of this ebook with personal responses and analysis questions.

Literature Teaching Resources

Tips to Teach Your Kids About Dramatic Elements in Literature – Learn about these elements of drama in literature. The elements include the plot of the story, theme, genre, characters, setting, and the audience.

Free Graphic Organizers for Reading and Literature – Graphic organizers are a great tool when teaching literature in homeschool. Of course, they can be used as a guide while students gather their thoughts on what they have been reading.