About This Lesson
“Because this book presents realistic life in 15th C Arabia, it could easily fulfill CCSS needs to integrating literature into the Social Studies curriculum.” – Jennifer Bohnhoff, social studies teacher
The Genie’s Gift is a lighthearted action novel set in the fifteenth-century Middle East, drawing on the mythology of The Arabian Nights. Shy and timid Anise determines to find the Genie Shakayak and claim the Gift of Sweet Speech. But the way is barred by a series of challenges, both ordinary and magical. How will Anise get past a vicious she-ghoul, a sorceress who turns people to stone, and mysterious sea monsters, when she can’t even speak in front of strangers?
“The kids in my class were sitting around in a reading circle and we had just finished the book. EXCITEMENT! After we read the next to last chapter, I waited ... they waited to see if they could finish … fingers were ready to turn the page ... it was so cool to watch. Then I said, ‘Raise your hand if you want to read the last chapter.’ Sixteen hands shot up in unison. You should have been there!” – Suzanne Borchers, elementary gifted teacher
