Books

Teaching Civics

Teaching Civics in the Library: An Instructional and Historical

Guide for School and Public Librarians

McFarland Publishing, 2015

 

Civics education is "on the books" in all 50 states, yet civic illiteracy is astonishingly widespread, to the point only one-third of twelfth graders can explain the significance of the Declaration of Independence. Lending library and education leaders, school and public librarians, change agents, policy makers and politicians an inquiry not only into the historical and philosophical foundations of civics education, but also into the reasons for its alarming demise, this text explores the recommendations of civics education leaders, researchers, and scholars across the nation. The Need for a return to early twentieth century civics education practices is detailed, along with traditional and present-day role of America's libraries in developing a civic-minded populace. As a landmark hybrid treatise/practice guide, as well as a means to an end, the second half of the book urges school and public librarians to utilize high-interest trade books and carefully evaluated websites to immediately integrate civics education practices within educational and youth services offerings. Carefully constructed questions eliciting civic discussion, as well as detailed civic action/service project suggestions, are provided for all grade levels, along with civic-oriented reading promotion plans, collection development best practices, grant writing options, and extended units of learning.

 

 

 

Foreign Born

Foreign-Born American Patriots:  Sixteen Volunteer Leaders

in  the Revolutionary War

McFarland Publishing, 2013

 

This book presents profiles of sixteen individuals born and raised in countries other than America who voluntarily joined the revolutionary cause. These men were writers, soldiers, merchants, sailors, guerilla fighters, pirates, financiers, and cavalry leaders. Each profile discusses the personal experiences that influenced the volunteer leader's decision to fight for the fledgling country, the sacrifices endured for the benefit of the Revolutionary Cause, and the unique talents each contributed to the war effort. Their participation helped ensure the perpetuation of the ideals and values of the American republic.
 

 

 

 

The Revival of Banned Dances The Revival of Banned Dances:  A Worldwide Study

McFarland Publishing, 2012

 

Throughout history, humans have used dance as a benefit for mind, body, and soul. In some cases, governments or churches have banned certain dances for a variety of reasons. This work provides an exploration of dances banned around the world, then revived by a handful of brave proponents. The sixteen case studies--ranging from Argentina's Tango and Cambodia's Royal Classical Ballet to Brazil's Samba and Ireland's Step Dance--reveal the meaning of the dance to each culture and the importance of the art form to the creation of healthy sociological and political climates. Chapters detail each dance's origins, technical steps and movements, costumes, music, and political history, providing an informative overview of the oppression of dance culture through history.