FreeSchool Abridged Classics are an easier way to enjoy classic literature! Standardized into modern American English, simplified to a 4th-grade reading level, and illustrated with hand-drawn charcoal illustrations, they are also shortened as much as possible without disrupting the story. (This classic short story is about 50% shorter than the original.) Now you can enjoy classic literature in a more accessible way.

“As they climbed a hill, his fellow traveler was outlined against the sky…Ichabod was horrified to see that he was headless!”

Superstition rules the night in Sleepy Hollow, and tales of a headless horseman terrorize the townsfolk. Ichabod Crane, a skittish schoolmaster new to the village, believes every single story. In between avoiding ghosts and ghouls, he becomes enchanted by the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. His formidable rival, Brom Bones, stands between Ichabod and his lady. Can Ichabod outsmart him and evade the ghost of legend?

Examples of the changes made include:

  • Simplification of sentence structure and vocabulary
  • Reducing the length and complexity of paragraphs
  • Updating or providing context for obsolete words
  • Replacing advanced vocabulary with simpler words

Readers who may benefit from this version of the novel include:

  • Young readers
  • Those looking for a read-aloud version
  • Students with learning disabilities
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL) readers
  • Adult literacy learners
  • Educators
  • Casual readers