Students in the English Language Arts classroom have access to more author commentary than ever. While following authors on social media may deepen students' engagement with their assigned reading, it also threatens to subdue students' own interpretations of the authors' texts. This essay explains how educators can introduce basic aspects of…

From statues to picture books, the depictions of suffragists do not always do justice to the complexity of the issues and activists who fought for the 19th Amendment, which provided that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." This…

In today's global age, it is important for young students to develop multiple perspectives. Some of the standards that today's teachers are required to adhere to include an understanding of different cultures. The National Council for the Social Studies, for example, indicates that teachers should provide instruction that complies with various…

In teaching about Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing a human dimension to the study of the region is essential. Texts on the region can be dull and lifeless or even biased and skewed. Introducing students to the region by exploring prose, poetry, and picture books helps to illustrate the rich diversity found throughout Latin America and the…

The year, 2005, is the bicentennial of this great children's writer. What better time to teach his timeless tales? Andersen was born April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark, to a poor cobbler father and washerwoman mother. Andersen felt misplaced and believed that he was destined for greatness; he would be a great writer, an acclaimed poet, a person of…

Presents a listing of historical books for elementary school students by author Jean Fritz; includes a poster and a calendar with daily class activities to teach students about famous historical figures. (SM)

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this month's featured book is "Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." The book was written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier (Jump at the Sun, 2001. 40p. ISBN 0786807148). This pictorial biography of the world-renowned civil rights leader has one of the most striking…

This sourcebook provides brief biographies of 65 popular children's nonfiction authors. Each profile focuses on how authors go about writing information books by giving a firsthand account of the challenges and rewards of nonfiction writing. Each biography provides a selected bibliography of the author's work, a photo, and a message to the student…

Biographies provide the opportunity for identification, not only with those who are great today but also with those who have lived greatly in the past. Biographies fulfill students' needs for identification with someone who is admirable. Examples of inspiring life stories, sources of such stories, and questions are included. (JD)

Examines the image of Columbus as presented through children's literature. Examines the characteristics, personality, and accomplishments attributed to Columbus in trade books from the third- to sixth-grade reading level. Reports themes of Columbus as Genoese, child, sailor, man of scientific reasoning, leader, missionary, patriot, conqueror, and…

After offering biographical background about Beverly Cleary, one of America's most popular children's authors, this book summarizes each of her novels, also noting illustration credits and any awards received by the work. The books are grouped by setting and/or age appropriateness. Settings of Cleary's life, which later became settings for her…

Presents an annotated bibliography of outstanding children's science trade books published in 1995 and intended primarily for kindergarten to eighth grade. Sections include biography, environment and ecology, fiction, life science, medicine and medical research, paleontology, and technology and engineering. (JRH)

Lists eight entries in the ERIC database that concern Christopher Columbus and the effects of his voyages on world history. Includes works on curriculum development, biological effects of the contact, and a bibliography of books for children. Explains how to find and obtain the materials. (DK)

Discusses the development of African-American literature for young people. Describes the setbacks resulting from cutbacks of federal funds for schools and libraries, as publishers cut back on materials they did not consider marketable. Suggests bibliographic resources for discovering works for children by or about African Americans. (DK)

Describes a variety of children's books that can help elementary students explore the qualities that make good leaders. The books (fiction and biography) include stories about past Presidents, people who did inspiring deeds, people with admirable qualities, and children who ran for school office. (SM)