The Phantom Tollbooth has been acclaimed as one of the 100 best books for children. It is not one usually used in middle school, but after looking at this lesson from ReadWriteThink, you just might change your mind. The book is filled with puns and figurative language that take a little sophistication to understand, enjoy, and laugh about--just right for middle schoolers. The lesson includes an overview, resources for presenting the lesson, and an instructional plan. Find a chart of different kinds of figurative language, a chart for students to fill out with examples from the novel, and a rubric for assessment. Your students will enjoy this re-examination of a childhood favorite and they will understand its appeal so much more now.
courtesy of Knovation
