The Treasure Trove of Literature series

Uses appropriately complex, high-quality literature including classics like The Hobbit, Treasure Island, and works by Tolkien and Lewis.

Book selections include challenging works like 'The Hobbit, The Door in the Wall, The Phantom Tollbooth' and 'The Fellowship of the Ring' with 'courses gradually increase in difficulty'

Strong vocabulary instruction with explicit word study integrated into each lesson, progressing from provided definitions to student-selected word study.

Levels 1-2 include 'vocabulary words with their definitions' while Levels 3-4 have students 'select three or more unfamiliar words, look them up, and write down definitions'

This curriculum centers entirely on full-length novels, with students reading complete works like The Hobbit, Little House in the Big Woods, and The Chronicles of Narnia series.

The review explicitly states 'Full-length novels are read with all except the poetry course' and describes 6-week studies of individual complete books

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice, though Reading Review Questions provide some comprehension checking.

Curriculum includes 'Reading Review Questions for each lesson that checks for reading comprehension' but no mention of spaced review or retrieval exercises

Limited writing instruction beyond question responses and occasional projects, with the reviewer noting parents 'might need to add some instruction in composition skills.'

Students write answers to questions and complete projects, but reviewer states 'you might need to add some instruction in composition skills, grammar, and spelling'

The curriculum builds some domain knowledge through historical and cultural contexts of novels, but appears more focused on literary analysis than systematic knowledge building.

First lessons include 'information about the author' and 'historical setting' of novels, plus character quality studies connecting to Catholic saints and Bible verses

Provides answer keys and suggested discussion answers but limited professional development or background knowledge for teachers.

Includes 'suggested answers for discussion questions' and 'answer key for parents' but reviewer notes 'parents really should read the books themselves to be prepared for discussions'

Mixed approach with some direct instruction on literary elements and devices, but significant independent work and discussion-based learning.

Lessons include 'brief instruction about a literary element or device' but curriculum is 'written directly to students so that they can complete much of their work independently'

No evidence of phonics instruction, which is appropriate given the curriculum begins at grade 3 when students are expected to be independent readers.

The review describes the curriculum as designed 'for students to read independently' starting in grade 3