Gareth B. Matthews (1929-2011) inaugurated the study of philosophy in children's literature by simultaneously arguing (1) that philosophy is essentially an encounter with certain kinds of perplexities, (2) that genuine philosophical perplexities are readily found in many children's stories, and (3) that many children are capable of appreciating…

The overarching aim is to explore what teachers perceive as the opportunities provided by using literature in ethics education in compulsory school. When being interviewed, in what ways do the teachers express views on the potential of fiction to encourage students to accept certain human conditions as imaginable, or to create motivation for…

In this paper we explore the portrayal of the "authentic" past in children's literature in Ghana, as well as the problems it poses for the achievement of the broader goal of moulding children to fit into tomorrow's society. We look at two main aspects: the social and moral settings portrayed in selected books. The social order refers to…

Research Findings: This study content analyzed 29 frequently used children's books in pre-kindergarten through 3rd-grade classrooms. Although the books included European and African American literature, none of the 29 books addressed other ethnic groups in the United States, and only two included international perspectives. Male and middle…

Discusses and deplores two recent assaults on alleged sexism, racism, and prejudice against the handicapped in children's literary classics; states the author's agreement with another author's belief that people cannot legislate their literary heritage without wiping out most of the world's literature. (GT)

This article focuses on the enchantment of the Harry Potter series in the development of gifted imagination, self-concept, and worldview in light of Bruno Bettelheim's work, "The Uses of Enchantment." As the processes are discussed, suggestions to guide parents and teachers in facilitating them are included. (Contains references.)…