The Multicultural Curriculum and Children's Books of Jewish Interest in the Public School

Abstract

Books of Jewish interest in the public school are of two kinds. They may be informational, nonfiction works, generally classified in the religion section of the library's classification scheme. Such works are useful for those who are studying about Judaism and for those Jewish children in the school who need to see themselves reflected in the collection. Works in the second category, picture books and fiction, must be chosen for their universal value. The stories must appeal to all children, regardless of race or religion. Any child must be able to identify with the characters and incidentally learn something about Judaism.