Trade books and the social studies curriculum

Historical fiction, fiction about contemporary people of other cultures, and nonfiction trade books can increase children's interest in social studies and enhance their knowledge. Dianne Monson and Kathleen Howe discuss the ways that these books appeal to young readers and lead them to seek further understanding of historical events, foreign cultures, and Americans from different cultural backgrounds. They offer numerous examples of books that serve this purpose for several social studies topics. Kathleen Howe completed her doctorate at the University of Minnesota. Her dissertation dealt with the use of children's literature trade books in the elementary social studies curriculum. Dianne Monson is a past president of the U.S. Board on Books for Young People and has written and lectured on children's literature throughout the curriculum.