Full Description
This accessible guide to Jewish children's literature explores many of the enduring questions of the Jewish tradition: What is Jewish history? What are love, wisdom, humor, ritual, evil, and justice? Jewish children's literature matters for all children, and with this practical guide parents and teachers will be empowered to choose and discuss books and stories with Jewish or non-Jewish children.
Jewish children's literature is often absent in school classrooms and when it is available, it presents a picture to children of Jews as victims. Enduring Questions provides teachers with guidance in the use of Jewish children's literature in the preschool and elementary school classroom.
Enduring Questions includes extensive bibliographies of Jewish children's literature, digital resources for teachers, and suggestions for further reading. With summaries of suggested books and texts, honest recommendations from teachers who have used these texts in the classroom, and practical curricular connections, this comprehensive book is suited for those looking for an introduction to teaching Jewish children's literature and those familiar with it.
The book provides a framework about the use of Jewish children's literature as an opportunity for all children, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to be philosophers and engage in dialog and debate. The enduring questions thoughtfully explored through Jewish literature are important for all students growing up in a diverse multicultural world.
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Permissions
Introduction - Why and How to Use Jewish Children's Literature in the Preschool and Elementary School Classroom
Chapter 1: What makes Jewish Children's Literature Jewish?
Chapter 2: What Is Our Story? What Is Our History? A Brief History of Jewish Children's Literature
Chapter 3: What Is Love? Stories of Family, Friendship, Animals, and Nature
Chapter 4: What is Time? Jewish Rites and Holidays Through Jewish Children's Literature
Chapter 5: What is Wisdom and What Is Foolishness? Humor in Jewish Children's Literature
Chapter 6: What Is Evil? How Might We Respond to Evil? Jewish Children's Literature, Antisemitism, and the Holocaust
Chapter 7: What is Justice? What is a Righteous Person to Do? Jewish Children's Literature and the Pursuit of Tikkun Olam
Chapter 8: How Might We Imagine A Life For Ourselves Together In The World? Using Jewish Children's Literature in Multicultural Education
Glossary
Appendices
Appendix A: Select List of Jewish Children's Literature Organized by Topics / Themes
Appendix B: Select Resources for Using Jewish Children's Literature in the Preschool Through Elementary Classroom
Appendix C: Select List of Professional and Scholarly Books and Articles on Jewish Children's Literature
Index
About the Authors
