Dionysius Thax's Grammar was used for centuries in the Middle Ages. Here is how he defines "grammar" and "reading" at the beginning of his textbook:
I. On Grammar
Grammar is an experimental knowledge of the usages of languages as generally current among poets and prose writers. It is divided into six parts:
1. Trained reading with due regard to Prosody [proper pronunciation]
2. Explanation according to poetical figures. [interpretation]
3. Ready statement of dialectical peculiarities and allusions [recitation of words and narratives]
4. Discovery of Etymology.
5. An accurate account of analogies. [conclusions from comparisons]
6. Criticism of poetical productions, which is the noblest part of grammatic art. [judgement]
II. On Reading
Reading is the rendering of poetic or prose productions without stumbling or hesitancy. It must be done with due regard to expression, prosody, and pauses. Through the expression we learn the merit of the piece; from prosody, the art of the reader; and from pauses, the meaning intended to be conveyed. In this way we read tragedy heroically, comedy conversationally, elegiatics thrillingly, epics sustainedly, lyric poetry musically, and dirges softly and plaintively. Any reading done without due observance of these rules degrades the merits of the poets and makes the habits of readers ridiculous.
We just finished reading The Mouse and His Child as a family and it passes the great children's literature test - the adults enjoyed it just as much as the children. In the story, a windup mouse and his child, hooked together by the hands, go on an Odyssey to find home, freedom, and fellowship. They encounter much evil, crime, war and death, destructive philosophies, and the drudgery of work as they seek to become self-winding. I don't want to give away too much of the story which is at times poignant, scary, funny, profound, puzzling, and exciting. This goes on my top ten list of favorite children's books and it also would make for some great high school or adult discussions of its literary structure and philosophy.