Forty-Hour Runathon/Jason and the Golden Fleece (Double Takes, Forty-Hour Runathon/Jason and the Golden Fleece

In this dynamic pairing of fiction and non-fiction, readers are taken on two very different but equally inspiring journeys. Jason and the Golden Fleece retells the famous myth in which Jason embarks on a perilous quest to reclaim his kingdom, encountering legendary characters and overcoming mighty challenges along the way. This narrative includes vivid dialogue and a clear story structure that highlights themes of courage, perseverance, and heroism. The non-fiction counterpart, Forty-Hour Runathon, presents the real-life efforts of students raising money for a global charity. With its mix of procedural, narrative, and explanatory text forms, it offers a detailed account of a school fundraiser, complete with planning schedules and budget targets. This paired text encourages students to explore different forms of determination—one rooted in myth and the other grounded in reality—while drawing comparisons between ancient and modern challenges. Together, these texts engage readers in deep thinking about character motivation, teamwork, and real-world action.