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…

Reviews several children's biographies of Columbus and challenges the image of Columbus portrayed in these books. Calls upon educators to be more critical when having elementary school students read about Columbus. (MG)

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…

Reports on the career of Theodor Seuss Geisel and suggests activities to celebrate his birthday. Lists selected children's books by Dr. Seuss, selected Seuss videos, Web sites, biographical resources, and biographical videos. (LRW)

Examines the use of biographies in teaching elementary students about contemporary women. Discusses sources of appropriate works and provides teaching suggestions for use with elementary school children. (GEA)

Discusses the life of Ezra Jack Keats in relation to his children's books, both as illustrator and author. Presents extension ideas for activities and includes an annotated bibliography of his works, including videos based on Keats's work, biographies, biographical information, and Web resources. (LRW)

Presents a biography of children's book author Laura Ingalls Wilder; suggests appropriate activities related to her and the historical period of her books; and includes an annotated bibliography of her books, biographies, information material, activity books, media adaptations, Web sites, biographical information, and literary criticism and adult…

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)

Discussing the inadequacies in primary social studies instruction about the colonial period of U.S. history, Larkins advocates adding substance by teaching history with stories and biographies. Illustrates how to teach about Pocahontas using children's trade books and provides suggestions for selecting appropriate course content. (GEA)

Students must learn more than facts if history is to become meaningful for them. They do not relate to names of battles, dates of treaties, or to statistics any more than adults do. They relate to individuals, emotions, and stories that have the ability to arouse their curiosity. The use of historical fiction and biography has the potential of…

This teacher's manual is designed to accompany the third grade level of the kindergarten through grade six sequenced literature curriculum developed through the Instructional Television Service Section of the Nebraska Department of Education. The teacher's guide for each lesson provides the following information: title of the children's book…

Childrens' historical books by author Jean Fritz offer teachers a stepping stone to fun and interesting history units. Make-believe journeys, time lines, role playing, and storytelling activities based on the Fritz biographies help children learn many different skills. (DF)

This book presents an interactive model using quality children's literature as the foundation for teaching reading and writing in grades 3 through 6, based on the premise that reading and writing are complementary processes through the shared goal of constructing meaning. Four main genres (fiction, traditional literature, fantasy, and non-fiction)…

Provides a list of outstanding science trade books for elementary and secondary students published in 2002. Focuses on the areas of archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, biography, environment and ecology, life science, physical science, and science-related careers. Presents the selection criteria. (YDS)