Light on a Hill Publishing is combating the old understanding of literature units being all about reading a book and answering the same old questions. With the book (Not) Another Greek Tragedy: 1 Sophia's Challenge, along with the accompanying study guide and lapbook, our understanding of just how enjoyable a literature study can be is changing. All three of these products are from Effie Hill and Light on a Hill Publishing. And this is not just another literature unit. This is better.

(Not) Another Greek Tragedy: 1 Sophia's Challenge is a book about Princess Sophia, a member of the royal family in ancient Greece, and her creature companion Harpee. A run-in at school seems normal for Sophia, who just doesn't seem to fit in. Well, it seemed normal until the goddess Hera shows up at Sophia's palace, angry, and transforms the king to stone. Only by completing three quests can Princess Sophia save her father, herself, and the kingdom.

Written with elements of a Greek play adding whimsy to the story, the book is a fun way to learn about ancient Greece and several of the gods and goddesses. Also, some of the myths from Greece show up in the book. The engaging story is a pleasant way to learn bits and pieces about ancient ways of life, people from the period, and tidbits of history.

The Study Guide deepens the learning. Designed to accompany the reading of the book, the study guide breaks up the reading and study guide work into three units of five chapters each. Each unit also covers five areas of study with topics relevant to the period. The areas of study are history, geography, language arts, Bible, and hands-on activities. From completing a graphic organizer about various people and their characteristics to cutting out and completing activities like an Olympic torch, the study guide includes various ways to engage the student with the material. While thought provoking questions and discussion topics are included, this study guide is much, much richer, allowing the student to interact with the information being learned.

The lapbook accompanies the study but can be used either in tandem with the book and study guide or separately. We chose to use the lapbook at the end of the study rather than alongside the book and study guide. The lapbook includes eight templates. Each template covers a different aspect of Greek culture. The information needed to complete each template is included. Cultural aspects include words that come from Greek roots, the Greek alphabet, clothing, homes, food, and more. Once again, this approach allows the student to really learn and understand more about ancient Greece.

This set of materials for the literature unit from Light on a Hill Publishing is superb. My daughter, who generally dislike study guides, has enjoyed this one quite a bit. (Not) Another Greek Tragedy: 1 Sophia's Challenge is definitely a book and study guide I would feel comfortable recommending because it is varied, engaging, and brings the student in touch with ancient Greece.

—Product review by Lori Hooten, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December, 2016