Families in Children's Literature: A Resource Guide, Grades 4-8 (Through Children's Literature)

using Quality Children's Literature That Presents Families Positively And Promotes Appreciation Of Family Diversity, This Book Offers You A Unique Way To Help Students Understand The Common Complexities Of Today's Families. Books Are Grouped Into Four Major Categories-diverse Family Groups, Family Heritage And Tradition, Relationships Within Families, And Family Conflicts. Within These Areas Books Are Chosen For Specific Topics, Ranging From Death In The Family To Homelessness. For Each Title There Are Questions For Reflection And Discussion And A Target Activity That Reinforces The Concepts Presented In The Book. booknews in This Teachers' Middle-school Guide To Literature Reflecting The Changing American Family, Cecil And Roberts (education, California State U., Sacramento) Spotlight Diverse Family Groupings, Ethnic Heritages And Traditions, Relationships And Conflicts Within Families. The Annotated Selections with Target Activities And Further Readings are Organized By Ethnic Background, Genre, Grade Level, And Theme. Annotation C. By Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. This guide provides teachers and librarians with helpful activities for using children's literature as a resource for acquainting middle-school children with culturally diverse families. The book selections chosen aim to offer students insight into the question, "What is a family?" The guide is organized in 4 sections according to the primary characteristics of the families depicted in stories about: "Diverse Family Groups"; "Heritage and Traditions"; "Relationships within Families"; and "Conflicts within Families." Each section is subdivided according to secondary family characteristics ranging from death in the family to homelessness. Various literary genre are represented, each featuring main characters who by their actions contribute to developing concepts about family in different social contexts. Each book selection includes a "Discussion and Beyond" section with questions to promote thoughtful discussion, and a "Target Activity" which suggests either visualization, brainstorming, role plays, or web creation as a means of helping children internalize their understanding of family relationships and values. (MM) Presents a selection of book-based activities designed to help teachers and librarians acquaint middle-school children with the many different ways families of all races and cultures live