For language teachers, the daunting task of teaching languages, both native and foreign, in ways that will engage and motivate their students is a daily struggle. This volume offers an innovative approach to achieving these goals through guided readings of selected literary texts. In addition to presenting empirical research into the use of poetry, prose and theatre for language learning, it provides useful, practical tools such as sample lesson plans. This promising approach can be adapted to a variety of language-learning contexts, and can help students develop and enhance linguistic, cultural, and motivational competences. The book will be of compelling interest to teachers of all languages, as well as researchers in the fields of education and language studies.