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Representing Africa in Children’s Literature explores how African and Western authors portray youth in contemporary African societies, critically examining the dominant images of Africa and Africans in books published between 1960 and 2005. The book focuses on contemporary children’s and young adult literature set in Africa, examining issues regarding colonialism, the politics of representation, and the challenges posed to both "insiders" and "outsiders" writing about Africa for children.

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Featuring 12 original essays that present research related to African American children's literature conducted by scholars from leading academic institutions, editors Wanda M. Brooks and Jonda C. McNair offer a bouquet of diverse perspectives on African American children's and young adult literature, focusing attention on texts, on readers, and on pedagogical strategies that have the potential to bring the texts and the readers together. ... Read more

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During the New Negro Renaissance, African American children’s literature became a crucial medium through which a disparate community forged bonds of cultural, economic, and aesthetic solidarity. Employing interdisciplinary critical strategies, including social, educational, and publishing history, canon-formation theory, and extensive archival research, Children’s Literature of the Harlem Renaissance analyzes childhood as a site of emerging black cultural nationalism. It explores the period’s vigorous exchange about the nature and identity of black childhood and uncovers the networks of African Americans who worked together to transmit black history and culture to a new generation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lively and readable
This book surveys the literature and drama produced about and for children and their parents during the Harlem Renaissance, the period associated with the flowering of the arts not only in Harlem but in other urban centers as well. Believing that the "New Negro" would ultimately arise from black youth, W.E.B. Du Bois, Carter G. Woodson, Langston Hughes, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, and other major figures took an impassioned interest in the literary models offered to children.

Smith explores the period's vigorous exchange about the nature and identity of black childhood and uncovers the networks of African American philosophers, community activists, schoolteachers, and literary artists who worked together to transmit black history and culture to the next generation. She also explores how various leaders forged bonds of cultural, economic and aesthetic solidarity even though they often disagreed over popular vs. elite constructions. This process is fascinating to watch, and is amply documented throughout the book with images and excerpts.

The book is lively and readable...not words I frequently associate with such an exhaustive study.I particularly enjoyed the chapter about Carter G. Woodson's publishing house, which issued a dozen children's texts during the 1930's and 1940's.I hope this book finds its way beyond the African American Studies bookshelves, as it deserves to be read by anyone interested in the evolution of American children's literature. ... Read more

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Dig into almost 2,000 entries in this bulging resource, where Anne of Green Gables rubs elbows with the Lord of the Rings, Mother Goose with Punch and Judy, Hans Christian Andersen with Christina Rossetti, and Maurice Sendak with Kate Greenaway. It's thorough -- and indispensable for teachers, librarians, and parents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Well Written Reference Work, mostly.
This is a good book for fan's of Children's Literature, and it is definitely worth having, but it is not the absolute best. While reading this book keep in my mind that Carpenter puts in a great deal of his own opinion, and not what is neccesarily the general opinion in literary circles. (On a side note, it is my opinion that Carpenter's biography of Tolkien, a seperate book, is the difinitive Tolkien Bio and a must for all Tolkien fans.)But as I said in the title it is a well written work and worth having. So, if your favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, Beatrix Potter, E. Nesbit, George MacDonald and many more besides I would advise getting this book. For this same subject I also highly reccomend The Encylopedia of Fantasy and The Encylopedia of Sciene Fiction. ... Read more

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Since the publication of Harry Potter and recently renewed interest in The Lord of the Rings, fantasy has become the hottest genre for young readers today—thousands of fantasy novels have flooded into the market, and young readers can't get enough. Librarians can build their collections and advise readers with Lynn's comprehensive guide, describing and categorizing fantasy novels and story collections published between 1900 and 2004. More than 7,500 titles—nearly 2,800 new to this volume—for readers grades 3-12 are organized in chapters based on fantasy subgenres and themes, including animal, alternate worlds, time travel, witchcraft, and sorcery. Lynn provides complete bibliographic information, grade level, a brief annotation, and a list of review citations, and notes recommended titles.

Customer Reviews (1)

Includes grade levels and review citations as well as notes on recommended titles
Well over a thousand pages of Fantasy Literature For Children And Young Adults: A Comprehensive Guide, a bibliographic reference pack in nearly 7,500 titles - almost three thousand of them new to this updated fifth edition - for readers of fantasy in grades 3-12: but it's the book's organization which is so unique and makes it such an important tool. For such fantasy synopses are organized under 'Anima', 'Sorcery', 'Time Travel' and the other types of fantasy kids typically ask for, making it easy to cross-reference fantasy novels and story collections published between 1900 and 2004 for kids of all ages. Librarians in particular and any adult regularly working with kids will find Fantasy Literature For Children And Young Adults: A Comprehensive Guide includes grade levels and review citations as well as notes on recommended titles.

... Read more

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Children's Literature: An Invitation to the World is written and organized in a manner that engages the readers and that will instill confidence in teachers when selecting and using literature in their teaching. Readers are asked to take a world view of literature-what it is; how to recognize one's own; how to recognize an author's-and encouraged to see children's literature through a lens that includes people not like themselves. The book tackles tough issues such as gender and racial bias and how they can be insidiously promoted in literature. No other book on the market engages readers more than this one. Rather than just presenting topics, the book asks "What can we learn from them?" In addition, the first-person narrative involves readers in the discussion, rather than simply presenting content to them.Elementary and middle school teachers, curriculum developers and anyone interested in children's literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great
I recieved this product quickly from the vendor
and it is already a useful tool, not only in the
graduate class I am taking, but in my third grade
classroom, as a reference. ... Read more

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Literary habits naturally give way to literary affections.

Once upon a time, a carpenter entered a forest and happened upon a wolf wearing a feathered cap. Quick—whose side are you on? If you don't know, we suggest reading a hearty round of fairytales. Stories provide a roadmap for life. This is because stories are life. But oftentimes it's easiest to understand where we are when we can look through other eyes—from the perspective of someone else, living somewhere else, somewhen else.

For those beginning to read for the first time or those beginning to read again, The Book Tree will drop golden apples in your lap, until you can climb high enough to pick for yourself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Good Resource for Building a Home Library
The Book Tree is an annotated, age-graded bibliography of recommended books for children and teens.Elizabeth McCallumhas taught high school and college English for thirty years, and conducts seminars on education, literature, and shaping a Christian worldview in young people.The Book Tree is co-written with her adult daughter, Jane Scott.

The titles are selected by the criteria of literary quality, accessibility and availability, and moral content.Unfortunately, the notes supplied for each title consist of summary, rather than critical commentary that would explain why each title is recommended.This makes the book less useful to parents, whose priorities may differ somewhat from the authors'.However, in the titles I have read, there is a great deal of overlap between the authors' priorities and mine.

There are about 760 titles recommended, about half of which also appear in other popular book lists.Since about 380 of the titles are unique, this is a great resource for building a home library.It might be especially attractive to those from a Reformed or Presbyterian background, and for those who identify with the philosophies of Classical Education.

If you have to limit yourself to one list, I recommend Books Children Love: A Guide to the Best Children's Literature or Honey for a Child's Heart, since they tell you why specific titles are recommended.But if you can use a third, this is a fine choice.

Excellent resource for thoughtful parents
The Book Tree is a book about books.More specifically, the selections featured in The Book Tree comprise a body of literature that will encourage godly character development in children and young adults.McCallum and Scott were very specific about which books they would feature.Their criterion for inclusion were:

1)Well-written literature
2)Reader-friendly literature.
3)Ethical standards
4)Visual appeal
5)Accessibility

McCallum and Scott write, "The caliber of contemporary children's books has declined alarmingly.Many book stores and libraries offer increasingly objectionable material." A quick perusal of popular young adult literature on bookstore shelves today reveals an appalling array of near-worthless fiction which focuses on the occult and lustful vampire romance.Stories that blur the lines between good and evil are promoted.The status quo among most parents is to just be happy that children want to read; it doesn't really matter if the book is good for them because reading is the goal.For Christian parents, however, that kind of attitude will not do.The Book Tree is designed to aid parents in making informed decisions regarding quality reading selections for their children.

Each entry includes publishing information and a short summary of the book.McCallum and Scott even crafted each summary in such a way as to reflect the feel of the book itself.Some entries include a quote from the main character.McCallum and Scott provide four separate indices (author, title, illustrator, and subject) in order to simplify finding the perfect book for your needs.

I don't know that I can improve upon the words of George Grant, who penned the Foreword, "How appropriate that a mother and her daughter...should have given us such a delectable treat.They have provided a guide to the best of children's literature serviceable for both veteran reading families and those just beginning their great journey of the imagination.I think you'll find that their accurate descriptions, careful recommendations, and cogent insights will prove to be as delightful as they will be invaluable."

This is an excellent resource for parents, librarians, teachers, and anyone who loves good books.

Correcting a misconception
I have not yet had a chance to drink as deeply of this book as I intend to, but I was alarmed at a misconception which I read in a previous review.My second edition copy DOES contain all books listed alphabetically by title, but it ALSO contains 3 other lists.There is an alphabetical list of author's names (by last name first), an alphabetical list of illustrators (last name first), and even an alphabetical list of book subjects (under which the books are listed alphabetically by title).Surely the previous reader's review was in error or possibly they do not have the second edition.I organize my books alphabetically but sometimes by age group and then alphabetically so I would think any reader of this book could find one of the lists extremely useful.
So far, I heartily concur with the mother and daughter team who wrote the book:there is much that is distasteful and just plain mean in modern books.As Westerners we have such a rich heritage of children's books that it is a true shame to bypass the tried and true for the latest fad.I could see this book having been a great help to me while I was homeschooling my kids, but I still plan to enjoy the new treasures it leads me to.In my homeschool I tried to strike a balance between fiction and nonfiction, between old and new, between hopeful and despairing (wanting to let my kids know of the great despair that exists in these days).Always I looked for the best of the best--the best writing, the best illustrations, the most human and spiritual of themes.
Like the authors I too am guided by the Apostle Paul's recommendation to seek out what is "true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good reputation ("good report")" and to "think on these things."I am definitely not one to believe that we should dump all the wrongs of adult humanity onto children at too young an age.There is a need among the young for sweetness and light.However, as children grow they do need to be exposed to more of the ways of this troubled world.These book lists will help you protect your child as a young seedling and then help them mature into adults who want what is right and are willing to fight for it (in appropriate ways).

Great Book
I loved the first book these gals produced and was happy to see an expanded edition. Then I got it...

While the content is fantastic and informative, the books are alphabetized by title...what? Of course, ordering the titles on line is not an issue...but pursuing a brick and mortar store or even the library proves more difficult with a lot of flipping back and forth.

So, you type out the list and keep that with you.Because the list is just that good.

As with buying anything that one is not familiar with, it is great to have a recommendation. A starting point.This book is that.So if you are buying a gift for a new parent or teacher or your organization is starting up a library for kids, these gals have put together a great resource.

Buy with confidence! ... Read more

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General and special education teachers will find 40 ready-to-use lesson plans that focus on children's literature characters faced with problem-solving situations, empowering students to independently solve problems in their own lives. Students are also taught a problem-solving strategy that can be applied to any situation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Perfect for teachers, guidance counselors, and parents
I am the author of this book.The book contains 40 ready to use lesson plans to teach children a problem solving strategy "I SOLVE" to help solve any problem.The strategy is used in each lesson and applied to the problem the book's character encounters.Students find out how the book's character solved the problem and then generate their own list of solutions.There are eight different chapters on topics such as helping students deal with fighting, bullies, anger and feelings, friendship, diversity, disabilities, self-concept and sharing.There is a reproducible activity for each story as well as a role-playing activity.Teachers will find these lessons easy to integrate into reading/literacy activities.With these lessons, you can teach social skills and problem solving through reading!I'm also a parent and have used every book with my two children as well as elementary classroom teachers. ... Read more

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Pre-service and in-service teachers alike benefit from the experience of renowned authors Charles Temple, Miriam Martinez, and Junko Yokota as they share a wealth of richly illustrated, practical ideas for sharing literature with children. The authors focus on creating an understanding of how literature works and how children respond to literature, they provide a wide range of good books to use with children, and they suggest ways to guide children into books and help them enjoy the experience. Dozens of new authors and books have been added to this new edition of Children’s books in Children’s Hands: An Introduction to Their Literature, 4e, making it interesting and current, and the continued emphasis on cultural diversity includes a new chapter on international books.

Customer Reviews (3)

Good condition
This book is in pretty good shape.A few pages are bent but other then that it is fine.Their is also some highlighting on the pages which personally helps me pick out important topics.

This Book in Students' Hands
It is so important for college students that are majoring in education to get their hands on goodteaching material on children's literature. Children's Books in Children's Hands is a fantastic piece to have in their educational tool box. Children's books that are current,great teaching suggestions and even though there is a chapter on diversity, this book displays diverse books throughout. And BRAVO to the authors on "Chapter 5: International Literature" for not putting this as an aside topic, adding it on at the back of the textbook OR including it with "multicultural books". International books should stand alone to be recognized and appreciated. Perhaps this will help the readers of this book not to be afraid to teach them.

The resources are rich along with the "recommended books" lists. "Myeducationkit" is something that I pray will enrich my students knowledge on children's books forever!

I look forward to co-teaching with this book and having my students get their hands on it. It may be a little costly but it is an investment that can be used once they leave my classroom and enter their own.

Children's Literature for Adults
This book offers indepth information about a variety of topics concerning childrens literature. In the first chapters it focuses on the development of children and their perceptions of literature at different ages. It then informs the reader about the historical development of children's literature. The biggest part of the book, however, is about the different genres of literature available. What I liked about this book was that it offered many examples and reading samples. It also included several essays from children book authors who wrote about their profession. The teaching aids and the recommended reading at the end of each chapter proved helpful. However, some areas of this book, such as this one, are only helpful to people interested in child education as a profession. ... Read more

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You'll appreciate these tools for parent participation in the learning process. Reproducible activity sheets based on quality children's books are designed as take-home assignments for children. Each sheet includes a book summary, discussion questions, and a list of engaging learning activities for adults and children that increase discussion, reading skills, and comprehension. ... Read more

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This book provides a mechanism for teachers to develop an understanding of multicultural literature and the criteria used to evaluate it. It promotes multicultural education in schools and helps to develop teaching strategies and resources that will benefit all students. Through its discussion of picture books, folklore, fairytales, myth, legends, fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and nonfiction works appropriate for grades K-8, students are enabled to see the strengths and weaknesses within each literature genre as well as within each culture. Examples of unit plans and an extensive annotated bibliography are also included. With Cultural Journeys, prospective and experienced teachers will gain a deeper understanding of how to use multicultural literature throughout the entire curriculum and not just during designated months or time periods. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Multicultural Education
While it is vitally important to make our children's education multi-cultural in a genuine sense, this book is really for professional teachers and teach-at-home parents.Well written and with lovely bibliographies, it is definitely worth the time of educators. ... Read more

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This comprehensive bibliography includes books written about or set in Appalachia from the 18th century to the present. Titles represent the entire region as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission, including portions of 13 states stretching from southern New York to northern Mississippi. The bibliography is arranged in alphabetical order by author, and each title is accompanied by an annotation, most of which include composite reviews and critical analyses of the work. All classic genres of children's literature are represented. ... Read more

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This book is written to provide teachers, social workers, school psychologists, counselors, and other professionals who work with children a comprehensive guide to selecting and using children's books to teach about disabilities.

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From creepy picture books to Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and countless vampire series for young adult readers, fear has become a dominant mode of entertainment for young readers. The last two decades have seen an enormous growth in the critical study of two very different genres, the Gothic and children’s literature.

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In this pioneering and timely book, Lampert examines the ways in which cultural identities are constructed within young adult and children’s literature about the attacks of September 11, 2001. Looking at examples including picture books, young adult novels, and a selection of DC Comics, Lampert finds the co-mingling of xenophobia and tolerance, the binaried competition between good and evil and global harmony and national insularity, and the glorification of both the commonplace hero and the super-human. Specifically, Lampert identifies three significant identity categories encoded in 9/11 books for children--ethnic identities, national identities, and heroic identities--arguing that their formation is contingent upon post-9/11 politics. These shifting identities offer implicit and explicit accounts of what constitute good citizenship, loyalty to nation and community, and desirable attributes in a Western post-9/11 context.

Lampert makes an original contribution to the field of children’s literature by providing a focused and sustained analysis of how texts for children about 9/11 contribute to formations of identity in these complex times of cultural unease and global unrest.

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Here is an innovative exploration of the blues aesthetic that reflects the literary work created by Black authors and illustrators for the Black child reader. This book examines literature written for Black children, using critical and creative writings—by artists, scholars, and critics—that define the blues within Black "adult" literature, poetry, and the visual arts. The book identifies Black children’s literature published in the past forty years by authors and illustrators who can be classified as blues artists, and whose work reflects social, political, economical, and historical developments of the Black experience throughout the United States. Referencing work created by Jacqueline Woodson, Walter Dean Myers, John Steptoe, Tom Feelings, Sherley Anne Williams, and others, this book demonstrates how the blues aesthetic now includes the literature dedicated to Black children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nancy Tolsen rocks
Nancy has written a wonderful book. She should be read by every teacher, parent and student interested in literature, and by every person who needs to understand Black children's literature better. I love her writing style, it's accessible to all readers not just scholars. ... Read more

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You've built a vibrant collection of children s literature, now put those resources to work and put young readers on the path to a lifelong love of reading. A core reference for school and public libraries and a terrific resource for educators, parents, students, and book reviewers of YA and youth titles, this dictionary provides child-friendly definitions of 325 terms and gives vivid examples for each from contemporary and classic literature. Definitions also include suggested activities to aid student learning.Whether you are a librarian helping a student find a definition of archetype, a teacher looking for classroom activities that will help you teach parallel stories, or a student who needs a traightforward example of an acrostic or a haiku, the answers, ideas, and inspiration are here. ... Read more