Discusses and assesses the writings and the work of author Arthur Ransome, a writer of children's literature in the 1930s. Argues that Ransome always wrote well, took pains to provide children with adventures that could very nearly have happened, and occasionally "wrote well enough for adults, too." (SR)

Recommends that children, teachers, and parents critically read children's literature to identify and clarify ideological perspectives. Lists types of books for multicultural collections, presents guidelines for critical discussions about books, and identifies types of biases in books. Suggests that children's books open multiple perspectives…