Book details
The Body: Fall from Innocence (Penguin Readers: Level 5)
Description
In 1960s America, four young boys go on a journey to search for the body of a boy killed by a train. As they travel, they discover how cruel the world can be, but also how wondrous.;"Penguin Readers" is a series of simplified novels, film novelizations and original titles that introduce students at all levels to the pleasures of reading in English. Originally designed for teaching English as a foreign language, the series' combination of high interest level and low reading age makes it suitable for both English-speaking teenagers with limited reading skills and students of English as a second language. Many titles in the series also provide access to the pre-20th century literature strands of the National Curriculum English Orders.;"Penguin Readers" are graded at seven levels of difficulty, from "Easystarts" with a 200-word vocabulary, to Level 6 (Advanced) with a 3000-word vocabulary. In addition, titles fall into one of three sub-categories: "Contemporary", "Classics" or "Originals". At the end of each book there is a section of enjoyable exercises focusing on vocabulary building, comprehension, discussion and writing.;Some titles in the series are available with an accompanying audio cassette, or in a book and cassette pack. Additionally, selected titles have free accompanying "Penguin Readers Factsheets" which provide stimulating exercise material for students, as well as suggestions for teachers on how to exploit the Readers in class.
Age
14-18
Text complexity
proficient
Length
80 pages
Book in series
#3
Why to read
- Engaging Coming-of-Age Story: 'The Body: Fall from Innocence' offers a compelling narrative that explores the themes of friendship, the transition from childhood to adulthood, and the loss of innocence. Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and self-discovery will find this book particularly resonant.
- Stephen King's Original Novella Adaptation: While Robin Waterfield's adaptation is for Penguin Readers, the story is based on Stephen King's original novella 'The Body.' This gives readers a chance to experience King's masterful storytelling in a format that is accessible for those who are improving their English reading skills.
- Cultural Impact: The story was famously adapted into the film 'Stand by Me,' which has become a cultural touchstone. Reading the book provides insight into the source material that inspired the iconic movie, allowing readers to appreciate the narrative in its original form.
- Language Development: As a Level 5 Penguin Reader, this book is designed to help readers develop and improve their English language skills. It provides a balance between challenging vocabulary and readability, making it an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to enhance their comprehension and fluency.