In this essay, we review and comment on three books that focus on language, literacy, and visual and cultural communication: "English as a Local Language: Post-Colonial Identities and Multilingual Practices" by Christina Higgins; "Literacy and Power" by Hilary Janks; and "South African Visual Culture," edited by…

This article analyzes the 2002 Coretta Scott King Award book by Mildred Taylor entitled "The Land". The novel and its author are situated within a tradition of historical fiction written by and about African Americans. I then offer an analysis that utilizes Critical Race Theory as an interpretive tool for examining the ways Taylor embeds meanings…

Sandoz provided a manifestation of historical events for her readers that went beyond a mere recitation of facts and ideas; in fact, her works consciously sought to bring enlightenment and perspective to history. Her biographical books took liberties with standard elements of historical writing by partially fictionalizing conversations and events…

Reviews 21 new books and provides a list of previously published books that teachers will find helpful in introducing young children (between 4 and 8 years old) to earlier eras. (PRA)

Analyzes "The Idiosyncratic History of the University," a chapter in Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind". Focuses on Bloom's history of the university as explained through Socrates' philosophy. Concentrates on the role of philosophers in society past and present. Discusses the Enlightenment, Existentialism,…

Focuses on the content and presentation of instructional sequences on the American Revolution in four commercial fifth-grade social studies textbook series. Discusses problems with content, learning objectives, background, and explanation. (FMW)

Contends that the end of slavery, women's suffrage, and the civil rights movement were watershed events of social justice in U.S. history. Provides reviews of two media-based sets of instructional materials that can help students understand the struggle by disenfranchised groups to become full participants in society. (CFR)

Reviews the book, "Historical Literacy: The Case for History in American Education" edited by Paul Gagnon and the Bradley Commission on History in the Schools. Critiques the Bradley Commission's recommendations, and the essays on restructuring history curriculum and improving history instruction. (RW)

This field test report was completed for a producer of an educational computer software program. The program, designed to help students learn about Canadian history, is outlined. The program simulates the events and atmosphere of the years 1864-1873, formative years in Canada's history; the student user is cast in the role of a journalist on the…

The revised version of the "National Standards for History in the Schools" does not differ greatly from the original document, which received so much criticism. The revised standards themselves are biased against Western culture and are not suitable as a national guide for state curricula, classroom teachers, and textbook publishers.…

The "National Standards for History in Schools" is nearly racist in its categories in that it concentrates on group identity and the individual nearly becomes a prisoner of ethnic identity. It suffers from the illusion that all historical phenomena deserve equal treatment. (SLD)

Describes two reference books suitable for middle/junior high school library media centers that present information about African-American women and suggests activities for Afro-American History Month. Library media skills objectives, social studies and art objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, activities and procedures,…

Reviewed are three computer software packages including "Martin Luther King, Jr.: Instant Replay of History,""Weeds to Trees," and "The New Print Shop, School Edition." Discussed are hardware requirements, costs, grade levels, availability, emphasis, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)

Reviews the Smithsonian Institute's publication, "Generations--A Universal Family Album," which was developed to accompany the exhibition inaugurating the museum's new International Gallery. The book explores ways in which families around the world and throughout the centuries have welcomed and nurtured infants and children. (BB)

Reviews several children's biographies of Columbus and challenges the image of Columbus portrayed in these books. Calls upon educators to be more critical when having elementary school students read about Columbus. (MG)