Reading History in Children's Books

This insightful critical analysis examines how British history is portrayed across children's literature, from historical fiction and fantasy to nonfiction and alternative narratives. Butler provides a sophisticated investigation into the literary and ideological challenges authors face when reconstructing the past for young readers with limited historical context. The book offers a thoughtful framework for understanding how children's literature shapes historical consciousness and national identity through its narrative choices.

What distinguishes this work is its interdisciplinary approach, blending literary criticism with philosophical inquiry about truth, memory, and representation in historical writing for young audiences. Educators, librarians, and serious students of children's literature will find invaluable perspectives on how historical narratives are constructed and consumed. This critical examination ultimately reveals how the stories we tell children about the past profoundly influence their understanding of both history and contemporary society.