Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable-Path Adventure
North, R. (2016). Romeo and/or Juliet: A chooseable-path adventure. New York, NY: Riverhead Books.
North, R. (2016). Romeo and/or Juliet: A chooseable-path adventure. New York, NY: Riverhead Books.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable-Path Adventure
Written by: Ryan North
Illustrated by: Multiple Artists
Published in 2016 by Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.Grades 9 and up
ISBN: 978-1-101-98330-0
Winner of the 2017 American Library Association Alex Award
Book Review:
This ALA Alex Award winning novel breathes new life into William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Because Romeo and/or Juliet is a choose-your-own adventure novel, it allows readers to "play" as multiple different characters and includes hundreds of original endings and intricate, engaging illustrations. North's novel includes excerpts from the original Romeo and Juliet, concise translations for tricky monologues and the option to follow the original story line. Chock full of entertaining commentary, Romeo and/or Juliet allows the reader to choose how the story ends and consider the consequences of our actions. This award-winning novel perfectly complements the English 9 curriculum and is recommended for grades nine and up.
Teaching Ideas:
English
9.4 The student will read, comprehend and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry and drama.
g. analyze the cultural or social function of a literary text
j. compare and contrast author's use of literary elements within a variety of genres
Before reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet, students will choose one aspect of Elizabethan culture to research. They will create an online presentation of their findings. Within their presentation, they will analyze whether that feature of Elizabethan culture is in any way relevant to our current culture.
After reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet, students will participate in a class discussion during which they will compare the authors' styles and discuss how Shakespeare's original works remain culturally relevant using the following statements and questions to guide discussion:
- Discuss how the time period in which each piece is written impacts the author's style.
- Is this story, regardless of the version, still relevant? Explain your answer.
- How does the format of each text impact the way in which the story is told?
- How does each author use characterization to drive the plot?
Art 1: Art Foundations
Aesthetics: The student will analyze the functions, purposes, and perceived meanings of works of design.
Students will choose an image from Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet and will analyze the image, trying to decipher the artist's purpose and meaning. After completing their analysis, students will have the opportunity to check their answers by reading the story ending that accompanies their image. Teacher could use the this rubric to assess student analyses.
Next, students will utilize an online platform to create a presentation explaining their analysis and displaying the author's work.
Health Grade 10
10.2 The student will analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the protective factors needed to make healthy decisions in life.
s. evaluate potentially harmful and abusive relationships, including dangerous dating situations
Students will work in small groups in the library to research warning signs of harmful relationships and create a checklist that students can use to evaluate their own relationships.
After reading Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet along with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, students in 10th grade health classes will analyze Juliet's relationship with Romeo using the checklists that they have created, next, they will write a brief report that explains their findings.
Theatre Arts 1: Introduction to Theatre
T1.4 The student will apply the creative process in storytelling, playwriting and acting by creating and/or writing a monologue or scene.
After reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet, students will select a passage from Romeo and/or Juliet and use it as inspiration to recreate the scene - as if what was set in Elizabethan England. Students will utilize library resources to research costume and set design of that time period to make sure their scene is as historically accurate as possible.
English
9.8 The student will use print, electronic databases, online resources, and other media to access information to create a research product.
a. Use technology as a tool for research to organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
Students will use library resources to research the author of Romeo and/or Juliet, Ryan North, and create a biography of the author using an online platform.
9.4 The student will read, comprehend and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry and drama.
g. analyze the cultural or social function of a literary text
j. compare and contrast author's use of literary elements within a variety of genres
Before reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet, students will choose one aspect of Elizabethan culture to research. They will create an online presentation of their findings. Within their presentation, they will analyze whether that feature of Elizabethan culture is in any way relevant to our current culture.
After reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet, students will participate in a class discussion during which they will compare the authors' styles and discuss how Shakespeare's original works remain culturally relevant using the following statements and questions to guide discussion:
- Discuss how the time period in which each piece is written impacts the author's style.
- Is this story, regardless of the version, still relevant? Explain your answer.
- How does the format of each text impact the way in which the story is told?
- How does each author use characterization to drive the plot?
Art 1: Art Foundations
Aesthetics: The student will analyze the functions, purposes, and perceived meanings of works of design.
Students will choose an image from Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet and will analyze the image, trying to decipher the artist's purpose and meaning. After completing their analysis, students will have the opportunity to check their answers by reading the story ending that accompanies their image. Teacher could use the this rubric to assess student analyses.
Next, students will utilize an online platform to create a presentation explaining their analysis and displaying the author's work.
Health Grade 10
10.2 The student will analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the protective factors needed to make healthy decisions in life.
s. evaluate potentially harmful and abusive relationships, including dangerous dating situations
Students will work in small groups in the library to research warning signs of harmful relationships and create a checklist that students can use to evaluate their own relationships.
After reading Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet along with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, students in 10th grade health classes will analyze Juliet's relationship with Romeo using the checklists that they have created, next, they will write a brief report that explains their findings.
Theatre Arts 1: Introduction to Theatre
T1.4 The student will apply the creative process in storytelling, playwriting and acting by creating and/or writing a monologue or scene.
After reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet, students will select a passage from Romeo and/or Juliet and use it as inspiration to recreate the scene - as if what was set in Elizabethan England. Students will utilize library resources to research costume and set design of that time period to make sure their scene is as historically accurate as possible.
English
9.8 The student will use print, electronic databases, online resources, and other media to access information to create a research product.
a. Use technology as a tool for research to organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
Students will use library resources to research the author of Romeo and/or Juliet, Ryan North, and create a biography of the author using an online platform.
Further Explorations:
Wherefore Art Thou Romeo? Well, He Doesn't Have to Be - An author interview from NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. Ryan North discusses his motivation for writing New York Times Bestseller, Romeo and/or Juliet.
Romeo and/or Juliet Website - Includes links to author Ryan North's various social media accounts and website. Feature information about the novel, authors and illustrators.
Interactive Folio: Romeo and Juliet - A website that includes the full, original text of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Students can access videos, definitions, audio and more, providing them with another means to access Romeo and Juliet. This resource could be invaluable for ELL students and struggling or reluctant readers.
A Brief History of "Choose Your Own Adventure" - An article that discusses the origin of choose your own adventure novels and their impact on the publishing industry.
The Life of William Shakespeare - Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, this website provides readers with information regarding current productions of William Shakespeare's plays, as well as an author biography and information regarding the Elizabethan culture.
William Shakespeare: The Life and Legacy of England's Bard - A timeline that illustrates the life of William Shakespeare and the lasting cultural impacts of his works. This interactive timeline provides visual learners with a complete history of Shakespeare's life and impact on our culture.
Shakespeare in the Classroom - A 45 minute video that discusses Romeo and Juliet. Features clips from Shakespeare in Love along with cast commentary on Shakespeare's lasting impact on our culture.
A Brief History of "Choose Your Own Adventure" - An article that discusses the origin of choose your own adventure novels and their impact on the publishing industry.
The Life of William Shakespeare - Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, this website provides readers with information regarding current productions of William Shakespeare's plays, as well as an author biography and information regarding the Elizabethan culture.
William Shakespeare: The Life and Legacy of England's Bard - A timeline that illustrates the life of William Shakespeare and the lasting cultural impacts of his works. This interactive timeline provides visual learners with a complete history of Shakespeare's life and impact on our culture.
Shakespeare in the Classroom - A 45 minute video that discusses Romeo and Juliet. Features clips from Shakespeare in Love along with cast commentary on Shakespeare's lasting impact on our culture.
Partner Titles:
Fans of Romeo and/or Juliet will be equally wowed by Ryan North's To Be or Not to Be - a chooseable-path retelling of William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Students who find North's versions of the Bard's classics more palatable, will truly enjoy To Be or Not to Be.
Shakespeare, W. (2004). Romeo and Juliet. New York: NY: Simon & Schuster.
This version of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is from the Folger Shakespeare Library and includes all new features. Romeo and Juliet is required reading for most high school students, and this version includes various supplemental materials to support students of all ages.
Gareth Hinds' graphic novel Romeo and Juliet will appeal to all readers, specifically ELL students and struggling or reluctant readers. This text could be easily used to supplement the original version and could be used with Romeo and/or Juliet to ensure that students are familiar with Shakespeare's original story.
Fiedler, L. (2006). Romeo's ex: Rosaline's story. New York: NY: Henry Holt and Company.
Fiedler's Romeo's Ex sheds light on the mysterious Rosaline - Romeo's original crush - and gives the reader the opportunity to get to know the supporting cast. Students who play as Rosaline in Romeo and/or Juliet will revel in the opportunity to get to know her (a strong female lead) from another author's perspective.
Woodson, J. (2010). If you come softly. New York: NY: Puffin Books.
Multiple Newbery Honor and Corretta Scott King Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson creates a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet in which Jeremiah, a young black man who doesn't fit in at the elite prep school he just transferred to, and Ellie, an upper middle class white girl, fall in love. Unfortunately, no one in their community approves. Woodson deftly weaves a tale of racism and elitism and its impacts on a young couple.
Levine, J. (Director). (2013). Warm Bodies [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B00CL50LEC/ref=dv_web_yvl_list_pr_20
Warm Bodies is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, however, it's set in a post-zombie-apocalyptic future and the "Romeo" character is, in fact, a zombie. This film would pair well with the humor and unconventional story that is reflected in Ryan North's Romeo and/or Juliet and would appeal to students who appreciate Shakespeare's story, but struggle with his language.
References:
BBC. (2017). IWonder - William Shakespeare: The life and legacy of England's bard. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/z8k2p39
Canadian Adaptation of Shakespeare Project. (2007). Interactive Folio: Romeo and Juliet. Retrieved from http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/folio/folio.html
Miramax (Production Company). (2015, February 09). Shakespeare in the Classroom[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAfih_YUgMk
National Endowment for the Arts. (n.d.). The life of William Shakespeare (1564–1616). Retrieved from http://www.shakespeareinamericancommunities.org/education/life-william-shakespeare
North, R. (2016). Romeo And/Or Juliet. Retrieved from http://romeoandorjuliet.com/
Rossen, J. (2014, April 10). A brief history of "choose your own adventure". Retrieved from http://mentalfloss.com/article/56160/brief-history-choose-your-own-adventure
Simon, S., & North, R. (2016, June 11). Wherefore art thou Romeo? Well, he doesn't have to be. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2016/06/11/481566156/wherefore-art-thou-romeo-well-he-doesnt-have-to-be
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