Professional Book Reviews: Exploring the Role of Children’s Literature in the 21st Century Classroom

The overwhelming use of commercially produced reading programs in elementary classrooms suggests that literature, beyond abridged versions in anthologies, is not necessarily valued. The reviewers have sought out professional resources that successfully argue the contrary by making compelling arguments for: (1) integrating an arts-based approach to literature as part of a comprehensive literacy program, (2) using literature to prompt and support children’s inquiries of the world in a classroom guided by critical literacy; and (3) maximizing the connection between literature and literacy by developing students’ passion for reading.