Offers a fresh perspective on how to implement childrens literature across the curriculum in ways that are both effective and purposeful. It invites multiple ways of engaging with literature that extend beyond the genre and elements approach and also addresses potential problems or issues that teachers may confront.

Machine generated contents note: Foreword, Elfrieda H. Hiebert -- 1. Introduction: Beliefs about Children's Literature -- 2. What Is Purposeful Teaching with Literature? -- 3. What Matters When Teaching with Literature in the Classroom? -- 4. What Do Books Have to Offer? -- 5. How Can We Help Students Understand the Books They Read? -- 6. How Can We Encourage Students to Read Widely? -- 7. How Can We Incorporate Expository Text Purposefully? -- 8. How Can We Use Writing and Discussing to Make Sense of Reading? -- 9. How Can We Encourage Reading Beyond the Classroom? -- 10. How Do We Put It All Together? -- Appendix A. Books to Support Student Agency -- Appendix B. Books to Talk about Visioning with Students -- Appendix C. Books by Genre -- Appendix D. Book Awards -- Appendix E. Popular Series Books -- Appendix F. Book Club Choices -- Appendix G. Children's and Teen Choice Awards -- References -- Children's Literature -- Children's Literature by Appendix -- Index -- .

Inviting multiple ways of critically engaging with literature, this text offers a fresh perspective on how to integrate children’s literature into and across the curriculum in effective, purposeful ways. Structured around three "mantras" that build on each other—Enjoy; Dig deeply; Take action—the book is rich with real examples of teachers implementing critical pedagogy. The materials and practical strategies focus on issues that impact children’s lives, building from students’ personal experiences and cultural knowledge to using language to question the everyday world, analyze popular culture and media, understand how power relationships are socially constructed, and consider actions that can be taken to promote social justice. Written for teachers and teacher educators, each chapter opens with three elements that are closely linked: classroom vignettes showcasing the use of literature and inviting conversation; three key principles elaborating the main theme of the chapter and connecting theory with practice; and related research on the topics and their importance for curriculum. Other chapter features include key issues in implementation, suggestions for working with linguistically and culturally diverse students, alternative approaches to assessment, and suggestions for further reading. A companion website to enrich and extend the text includes an annotated bibliography of literature selections, suggested text sets, resources by chapter, and ideas for professional development. Changes in the Second Edition: Voices from the Field vignettes include examples from inspiring educators who use trade books to promote critical thinking and diversity Updated chapters include information on new technology and electronic resources New references in the principles sections and new resources for further study New children’s books added throughout the chapters as well as to the companion website

Perhaps no factor has a greater influence on children’s literacy learning than exposure to engaging, authentic, culturally relevant texts. This concise practitioner resource and course text helps K–8 teachers make informed choices about using children's literature in their classrooms, from selecting high-quality texts to planning instruction and promoting independent reading. The authors present relevant theories (such as reader response and culturally responsive pedagogy) and show how to apply them in practice. Key topics include teaching narrative and expository texts, tapping into students' individual interests, and conducting text-based writing activities and discussions. Every chapter features case examples, reflection questions, and learning activities for teachers; appendices list exemplary children’s literature.

Now in its third edition, this indispensable text offers a critical perspective on how to integrate children’s literature into the curriculum in effective, purposeful ways. Structured around three "mantras" that build on each other—Enjoy; Dig deeply; Take action—the book is rich with real examples of teachers implementing critical pedagogy and tools to support students’ development as enthusiastic readers and thinkers. The materials and practical strategies focus on issues that impact children’s lives, building from students’ personal experiences and cultural knowledge by using language to question the everyday world, analyze popular culture and media, understand how power relationships are socially constructed, and consider actions that can be taken to promote social justice. Each chapter features classroom vignettes showcasing the use of literature and inviting conversation; three key principles elaborating the main theme of the chapter and connecting theory with practice; and related research on the topics and their importance for curriculum. Thoroughly revised, the third edition includes new recommendations for teaching with a critical edge and exploring alternative approaches to standardized assessment. With more attention to culturally and linguistically diverse learners and addressing new topics such as censorship and controversial texts, the new edition is essential for courses on teaching children’s literature and English Language Arts methods, and for every preservice elementary and middle school English teacher. A companion website to enrich and extend the text includes an annotated bibliography of literature selections, suggested text sets, resources by chapter, ideas for professional development, and recommendations for further reading.