Disability in Modern Children's Fiction: Helping Children Understand Disabilities Book

A good deal of discrimination and prejudice against children with disabilities exists today, even in our so-called enlightened society. John Quicke presents a case for the inclusion of a planned element in the mainstream curriculum, specifically designed to encourage positive attitudes and actions toward children with special needs, and for utilizing the possibilities inherent in fiction for helping all children explore their thoughts and feelings in this area. The central chapters of the book are concerned with a critical examination of specific texts, focusing on how they deal with disability in a story context. From the discussion of themes and issues, the author has drawn out a number of questions which teachers and parents will want to ask themselves when considering the suitability of a novel. A teaching approach compatible with the general argument of the book is also suggested.Read More