This article discusses how the Korean War is portrayed in the children's literature published in the United States over 70 years since the war. Seven children's books were identified and analyzed with a theoretical lens of teaching war as difficult knowledge. Critical content analysis of the texts found two key patterns. First, there were various…

This article explores depictions of the American Civil Rights Movement in award-winning children's picture books published between 2010 and 2018. Specifically, we focused on 25 books chosen by the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) for inclusion on their yearly book lists. We included books…

Given the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of the United States, an important part of citizenship education is helping children learn how to engage respectfully and dialogically with people whose beliefs and ways of life may differ significantly from their own. Such engagement is necessary for peaceful co-existence, as well as in the…

Across grade levels, teachers and students are encouraged to engage in inquiry-based practices. The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) "Framework" (National Council for the Social Studies, 2013) and the Common Core State "Standards" (Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association, 2010), as well…

Book Review Committee members for the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), in collaboration with the Children's Book Council, have reviewed current copyrighted trade books with social studies themes since 1972. As a result, an annual bibliography of K-12 trade books is published each May in the "Notable Social Studies Trade Books for…

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)

Provides a brief annotated bibliography of children's books which may be used to foster greater understanding of the five most popular holidays celebrated in U. S. public schools. The holidays are Columbus Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Valentine's Day. (JDH)

Presents the case for including historical fiction as an integral part of elementary social studies. Maintains that such stories are valuable tools for fostering moral understanding and growth. (JDH)

Discusses how children's literature can contribute to a child's career awareness. Specific books are examined. (RM)

Argues that the inclusion of ethnic folktales into a social studies unit can reinforce stereotypical assumptions unless it is balanced with accurate and insightful social and cultural instruction. Summarizes and discusses a number of Latino folktales and how they could be used as springboards for appropriate instruction. (MJP)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history at the elementary level. Suggests that a concept-based approach could expand the role of children's literature in the elementary classroom and bring history to the center of the curriculum. Lists five points to consider when selecting literature for a history unit. (KO)

Evaluates children's tradebooks for their multicultural content. Examines three categories: general, illustrations, and narrative theme. Presents the findings of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award Committee's examination of nonfiction tradebooks published in 1986; reports the researchers' investigation of the submitted books to the committee; and…

Maintains that environmental education in New South Wales is supported as an interdisciplinary priority area. Describes an environmental education/social studies unit using children's literature. Describes six lessons and presents samples of student writing in response to assignments. (CFR)

Describes an instructional unit in which students developed a series of mock trials based on legal issues in popular fairy tales. Asserts that meaningful learning takes place when children's activities in schools involve real-life experiences. Provides a list of 19 legal issues found in fairy tales. (CFR)

Describes the design and development of a K-8 curriculum designed to encourage student respect for senior citizens through experiential and academic studies. Outlines activities conducted by students at various grade levels. Includes an annotated book list of children's literature on aging and the elderly. (CFR)