Thinking and Learning through Children's Literature

This professional resource offers educators a vital counterbalance to the current educational emphasis on close reading and textual analysis, arguing that students must also form deep, personal connections with quality literature to become truly literate citizens. Martinez champions the idea that moving engagements with books are essential for developing awareness and empathy for diverse human experiences across time and cultures. The book provides practical strategies for guiding young readers beyond comprehension skills toward transformative encounters with meaningful stories. This approach positions children's literature not just as a tool for literacy instruction but as a gateway to developing compassionate, globally-aware individuals.

What makes this guide distinctive is its focus on the emotional and ethical dimensions of reading alongside cognitive development, addressing a critical gap in many contemporary literacy programs. Classroom teachers and literacy specialists will find invaluable frameworks for selecting books that merit deep discussion and for facilitating conversations that honor students' personal responses while expanding their understanding of others. Martinez successfully bridges the theoretical need for empathetic, engaged readers with actionable classroom practices that nurture the next generation of thoughtful, concerned citizens. This is essential reading for educators committed to developing both skilled readers and compassionate human beings through the power of children's literature.