Description
The Sultan's wife betrayed him with a lover, and so the Sultan killed the two of them. Unwilling to be alone, but believing that all women are betrayers, the Sultan marries a new girl each day and kills her before morning. No young woman in his kingdom is safe. Then Shahrazad, the daughter of the Sultan's own vizier, volunteers to be his wife. Facing death, she asks the Sultan if she can tell her younger sister one last story before she dies. The Sultan agrees, and listens as Shahrazad tells her story to Dunyazad. But as Shahrazad sees the sun rising, she breaks off her story at a particularly exciting spot, promising to finish it the next night if she still lives. The Sultan, entertained and intrigued, grants Shahrazad her life for one more day.
And so begins a tense and uncertain pattern—each night Shahrazad tells a story, but there is always the danger that if it does not please the Sultan, death awaits. After two and a half years, Shahrazad is running out of stories. When a young girl named Marjan visits the harem, she has something Shahrazad needs—more stories. As the Sultan's own mother plots against her, can Shahrazad, with Marjan's help, heal the Sultan's crippled heart and bring him peace and forgiveness? A particularly gripping novel of hurt and the power of forgiveness.
Based on The Tales of the Arabian Nights.
Shadow Spinner Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your Middle School grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and refine their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature! Kids have loved using Progeny Press ELA curriculum in homeschool, co-ops, and private schools around the world for over 30 years!
What Progeny Press' Shadow Spinner Literature Curriculum Digital Study Guide provides your Middle School student:
ELA Built for Ages 10–14 • Grades 5–8
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
About the Author: Learn about Susan Fletcher.
Background Information: Step into the enchanting world of Shadow Spinner with the Arabian Nights and ancient religious traditions. These cultural elements serve as a vibrant backdrop, enriching the narrative and immersing readers in its historical and thematic depths.
Vocabulary: Enhance your grasp of the novel's language through a variety of activities designed to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Explore literary techniques such as in-context usage, setting, juxtaposition, style, metaphor, simile, alliteration, onomatopoeia, fragments, analogy, foreshadowing, point of view, anthropomorphism, tone, fact vs. opinion, paraphrase, flashback, antonym, synonym, framework story, analogy, theme, plot, conflict, climax, resolution, parallelism, and characterization.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Analyze moral lessons and character values woven into the story, including themes of courage, perspective, the power of words, overcoming fear and loneliness, challenging assumptions, the role of prayer, nurturing hope, dealing with worry and bitterness, addressing anger and the desire for revenge, embracing parables, recognizing unity as part of the body of Christ, trusting in God, and advocating for helping the poor and forgiveness.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Participate in a variety of activities, from mapping the Middle East and creating timelines to exploring the symbolism of pigeons, participating in class discussions, enjoying word searches, contributing to an International fair, contemplating crime and justice, drawing connections to Queen Esther, and exploring multiple essay choices.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of Shadow Spinner
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-friendly or online)
This flexible homeschool resource includes open-ended discussions and optional writing activities that support foundational ELA skills without overwhelming growing learners.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for high quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and phonics program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Easy to follow and open-and-go
- Encourages family discussions and biblical connections
- Engaging activities that support reading comprehension
- Grows with your child’s ability and interest
- No busywork—just meaningful, faith-filled learning
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
