Stories on Stage: Scripts for Reader's Theater (First Edition)

"Stories on Stage" is the premier collection of scripts for reader's theater. Unlike almost all other collections, its scripts are adapted exclusively from contemporary books and children's magazines, ideally suiting it to making that "literature connection." (Scripts in most other collections are original works by the scripter or adapted from works in the public domain.)

Twenty-two scripts present books and stories by twenty-one authors -- authors such as Roald Dahl, Louis Sachar, and Nancy Farmer. Each work is selected for its dramatic quality, literary value, and appeal to young people. Genres include multicultural folktales, fantasy, and humor.

Recommended grade levels start at 2 and continue through the highest grades, with the focus on 3 to 9. Innovative scripting provides roles for a maximum number of readers while enlivening the performance.

All the scripts may be freely reproduced and performed for any educational, noncommercial purpose. The book's large format and sturdy binding are perfect for easy photocopying and script assembly.

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Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of numerous children's books and magazine stories, as well as three books on reader's theater, "Stories on Stage," "Folktales on Stage," and "Readers on Stage." He spent five years as a professional actor in reader's theater, performing in schools and conducting workshops for teachers, librarians, and students. He now hosts Aaron Shepard's RT Page, the Web's most popular reader's theater destination, with visits by thousands of teachers and librarians each week.

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"Reader's theater, a key in the literature-based curriculum concept, gets a boost from this collection. . . . The scripts are simple and direct, multicultural, and easily reproducible for classroom use." -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist (American Library Association), Jan. 1, 1994

"An intriguing, well-rounded collection. . . . The tone and content of source material is effectively preserved." -- The Horn Book Guide, July-Dec. 1993

"A well-written collection. . . . These scripts will inspire young actors to read the books." -- Penny Peck, Bayviews (Association of Children's Librarians), Nov. 1993

"Give kids a script and watch them act. . . . Shepard's talent as a storyteller shines out in his adaptations." -- Jan Lieberman, TNT: Tips & Titles of Books, Fall 1993

"What? Don't have time to write up your own scripts for reader's theater? Not to worry. Aaron Shepard will get you started with his stellar scripts -- perfect for duplicating, handing out to your students, and bringing to life. This is one must-have book." -- Judy Freeman, Author, "More Books Kids Will Sit Still For"

See above.