Metanarratives--stories that are told and retold over time, so that they become the story--have proven instrumental in cultivating conceptions of the Founders as invariably honest, brave, and ethical. A prime example is the tale of George Washington confessing that he chopped down the cherry tree. While this narrative crafted an image of…

The Common Core State Standards call for the increased presence of nonfiction in the school curriculum and for students' exposure to narratives characterized by textual complexity. At first glance, these recommendations may discourage classroom teachers from continuing the longstanding instructional practice of using historical fiction to…

Upon entering the social studies hallway in any middle or high school in the United States, you are likely to hear the sounds of a film or video emanating from at least one classroom. Though often perceived as a medium for low-level intellectual work, recent research has documented an increasing array of authentic and rigorous pedagogy with films.…

Long before public libraries, online bookstores that ship directly to our homes, technologies that enable the downloading of publications directly to mobile devices, and social networks supporting virtual book clubs, eighteenth-century book readers relied heavily on literary societies, subscription libraries, and the advice of and selections made…

Barbara Cruz describes how what began as a challenge (i.e., finding or justifying the time to spend on history instruction in an environment of high-stakes testing) turned into a rich learning experience for students using historical fiction. By designing experiences that were literacy centered but based in historical content, this group of…

A historian reviews the process of writing his first historical novel, "Underground Man." Explores parts of the book based on the life of Calvin Fairbank, an abolitionist in Ohio and Kentucky. Delineates historical sources for each chapter, separating fact from fiction. Explains many of the decisions that determined plot and character…

Describes how to use children's literature to teach about multiethnicity. Shows webbing activity diagrams and provides examples of children's books which fit the webbing categories. (JDH)

Books selected for this annotated bibliography (1) are written primarily for children in grades K-8; (2) emphasize human relations; (3) present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic; (4) are highly readable; and, when appropriate, (5) include maps and illustrations. (RM)

Describes the use of Scott O'Dell's two novels, ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHIN (1960) and ZIA (1976) to enhance the study of local history in a teacher's third and fourth grade class. Provides ideas for activities which extend this use of historical fiction. (JDH)

Describes the content, format, and use of a teacher-made slide tape presentation which is written and produced from the perspective of a child living on a plantation in the southeastern United States in the middle 1800s. Follow-up activities are presented. (JDH)

Learning activities are suggested to give secondary students an understanding of totalitarian concepts found in such literature as "1984" and of violations of international human rights. (RM)

The listings are grouped by grade level: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Prepared by New York State Department of Education and Board of Education, New York City. (DB)

A fictional story about a teacher embroiled in controversy among parents, other teachers, and community members because of a course he teaches. Points out that commitment, sophistication, and courage are needed by teachers who deal with sensitive issues. (AV)

This annotated listing describes materials dealing with nuclear warfare, including annotated bibliographies, nonfiction, fiction, organizations, journals, newsletters, and curriculum materials for elementary and secondary schools. (RM)

Methods for using fiction and nonfiction to teach mapping and geographical skills are discussed. Three activities for use at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are presented. Additional books that can be used are described. (RM)