A group of 200 folk tales from four school readers was analyzed in terms of character types included, sex and age distribution of characters, affect content, story outcome, amount of aggressive behavior, and attitude content. (BRT)

Unfortunately, textbooks of the elementary and junior high school levels receive very little of the honest, critical evaluation which is given trade books in children's literature. One vivid example of this fact was seen in the recent arduous but successful attempt to include "Beowul" in a fourth-grade literature text which was being…

Argues that many new books for schools are simply more colorful versions of earlier texts which inculcate racist and imperialist ideas in children. (Editor)

The use of a wide variety of reading materials instead of standard textbooks for social studies instruction is advocated along with the pursuit of individual interests according to ability emphasizing concepts rather than facts. (MB)

Concludes that the American Indian is misrepresented, distorted, romanticized and victimized in children's literature. (JH)

Literary quality in children's books should be encouraged by stressing literary taste, discrimination and language awareness. (JH)

The variety of influences on the teaching of literature at the elementary school level is illustrated by this description of current practices and review of research and development in the area. The following types of materials are reviewed to point out recommended practices: curriculum guides, objectives of library programs, textbooks for…