The Serafina Series and Willa of the Wood are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide. Students love the books for their mystery, fast-paced action, and compelling characters. Teachers love the historical elements, figurative writing, engaging themes, and rich vocabulary. With its combination of Gilded Age / Turn-of-the-Century American history, the real-life Biltmore Estate setting, and its intense mystery and action, Serafina and the Black Cloak and the rest of the Serafina Series are excellent novels to engage young readers in the rewards of historical fiction.
Willa of the Wood captures the mystery and magic of the Great Smoky Mountains, including both its natural wonders and its rich history. Teachers will find the books to be well suited for English Language Arts, History, and Social Studies from 4th to 10th grade. School Library Journal (SLJ), Kirkus Reviews, and the Historical Novel Society have all given Serafina and Willa extremely strong praise.
We have also found that the books have been highly effective for engaging reluctant readers, especially when combined with watching the book trailers and other classroom activities.
A note from the author:
“I wrote the Serafina Series and Willa of the Wood to be engaging and educational books for my three daughters. I wanted to give them stories of brave and unusual girls with heroic hearts who must face not only many dangers, but the mystery of their own developing identities. Since then, I've become a strong supporter of teachers who are using Serafina and Willa in their classrooms.” —Robert Beatty
COMPREHENSIVE TEACHING MATERIALS
Robert Beatty’s books include a full set of comprehensive teaching materials for teachers to draw upon as they see fit. The links below provide free PDF files, which have been designed for easy access and printing. The books and their teaching materials are compatible with state standards and Common Core. These teaching materials were developed through the joint effort of the author and a small team of experienced teachers and curriculum developers.
WILLA OF THE WOOD
Note: New series, so it does not require knowledge of the Serafina Series.