A 12-week program was developed and implemented with the purpose of utilizing classical literature to encourage prosocial skills in eight students, with aggressive and violent behaviors, residing in a private residential treatment center. The program was initiated in response to the increasingly high numbers of student attacks on mental health staff. The program used high interest reading materials and videotape recordings, with students in grades 5 through 12 who had reading abilities between grades 3 and 5. The adapted and abridged literature included "Tale of Two Cities,""Jane Eyre,""The Scarlet Letter,""The Time Machine,""Frankenstein," and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The program used discussion, role playing, and guided thinking skills to establish cooperation with authority figures and remediate behavior. Following the program, aggressive behaviors toward mental health workers decreased by 50 percent, students increased their ability to articulate feelings appropriately, and there was a 23 percent decrease in staff and peer injuries throughout the facility. Fifty percent of the target group ceased their violent and aggressive behavior 80 percent of the time. In addition, a new unit with unlocked doors was established for cooperative students. Appendices include discussion questions, responses of students, and mental health worker comments. (17 references) (DB)