That's a great story! My daughter had the option of reading it for assigned summer reading this year, and she chose different books. :( I think it's because I tried to get her to read it in 7th grade— she was completely capable but couldn't “get into” the book. I hope it's assigned or on next years list—I'll use bribery! My family tree can be traced back to the settings time and place, and I just soak every detail in!
I have to actually READ it to most of my classes and explain it as we go along. It also gives me a chance to teach the Bible’s importance in literature, and there are many exercises that can make the book come alive (draw the town square, write a journal as Pearl, etc.).
It’s also funny when the girls in the class start calling each other “ignominious malefactress”