A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature, Ninth Edition,gives future teachers, practicing teachers, librarians, and parents many examples of quality children's literature to guide them in choosing the best books for the classroom, library, or home. The Handbook analyzes children's books that showcase positive examples of the literary elements, formats, and genres that are the focus in the field of children's literature. The books are noteworthy children's books, from classics to favorites to just-published titles, all selected as thought-provoking, important, or motivating choices. The authors suggest that readers examine the Handbook and then apply the literary concepts to additional reading from today's ever-expanding selection of children's books.

From the streets of Fargo, North Dakota to the markets of Algiers (but mostly closer to home) Rebecca Lukens has lived a long life enriched by education, teaching, writing, and maybe most of all by family. In a wry, witty, and engaging voice she presents bright snapshots of herself, her parents and siblings, her four children, and her grandchildren. Her vignettes have a lovely modesty, a full-heartedness, a wonderful sense of humor, and an aliveness to life's possibilities on every page, and together they create a stirring collage that pays close attention to the upheavals and transformations of the 20th century--particularly the changing roles of women. Enthusiastic, alert, and upbeat, IT'S BEEN GREAT is that rare book that fully earns its exclamation mark.