critical pedagogy

Explains how teachers can use critical literacy as a framework for teaching and learning in K through six grade classrooms.

Offers teaching ideas, classroom narratives, and hands-on examples designed to help teachers promote the values of community, justice, and equality while building their students' academic skills.

Explains what democratic schools are and why the author believes they are desirable; and presents four real-life stories of schools that have instituted the reforms necessary to become democratic.

The author describes her experiences, as well as those of other educators, attempting to create spaces for critical literacy in kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms through the use of children's books, and includes practical classroom strategies and lists of children's literature.

Offers strategies to help teachers educate students and parents on the importance of community and encourage them to embrace the values that motivate progressive social change.