My Take
This is a really good tool. There is a lot that is free, but I found the Gold package well worth it because it saved me time in finding and applying lessons that were unique and held the student interest. I could use the stories to relate to current movies, events, or have them research historical events in a non-threatening manner. What I liked most was the fact that I could flip the lessons and we could discuss the information on class to expand the lesson. My favorite feature was the calendar that I checked daily to create sponge activities for my students. They could read the material in a short time and yet there was enough to do critical thinking extensions. The students really liked the site and always, I mean always, went on there own to read those stories that interested them. Check with your school administrator to help pay for the Gold package,
How I Use It
Awesome stories can be used for all subject areas to add depth to lessons, create interest (animals on trial) and involve students as few other resources can. I recommend you spend time on the site as it is very comprehensive with useful information from lesson plans to a calendar that ties in the date with the stories...which are aligned with Common Core.