Welcome to the first issue of the READ school year 2008-2009. READ now features Writing magazine as a 12 page addition. READ and Writing combined make a new 32 page magazine that comprehensively addresses all aspects of language arts.  There are lots of enhancements to the READ website as well. Log in to the subscriber's page to find all of our great past electronic issues.

We are so excited to be back, and we're ready to kick off the year with a classic theme, Greek Mythology. Join us as we look at the stories of Ancient Greece, and how they impact the literary world today.

First we introduce the story of Icarus and Daedalus as told by Bryon Cahill.

Our Center Stage play, "Jason and the Golden Fleece," is Wim Coleman's traditional read-aloud retelling of Jason and the Argonaut's first adventure. The Quest for the Golden Fleece is a famous tale that dates back to the 3rd Century BC in the form of an epic poem. It has been adapted to a 1963 movie.

Myths, such as Jason and the Argonauts, can be reinvented throughout history. We turned to Helen of Troy to exemplify the "living myth." READ excerpts Esther Friesner's popular YA book, Nobody's Princess. This excerpt is a look at a spunky, young Helen, long before she goes to Troy or fulfills her legend of immaculate beauty. The Helen of Nobody's Princess is a modern interpretation, and our introduction to the text explains the classic myth that inspired Freisner. Be sure to check out our interview with the author in the Writing section.

We return to Icarus in our LSI (Lit Scene Investigation) with an analysis of Auden's poem, "Musee Des Beaux Arts," which is inspired by a famous Icarus painting.

Writing's feature article examines archetypes. Learn how to classify some classic character profiles, such as heroes, antiheroes, and villains. This article points out some interesting examples of each character type, and explores what makes archetypes an essential part of storytelling.

We're very excited about the new year full of learning, literature, and fun. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or if you just want to say hello, you can write to us at read@weeklyreader.com. And don't forget to check out our literary blog, WORD, at www.readandwriting.com