Skip to Main Content

Children's Literature Portraying Religion in the US

Introduction

This guide supports the following USF courses: LAE 3414 and EDG 4376

The books highlighted in this guide were specifically chosen as quality books that focus on authentic religious expression for children grades K-4.  Their selection emerged from an empirical study designed to:

  • Develop a rubric for evaluation of children's literature that represents religion and can be used in early childhood classrooms.
  • Explore and select literature that represents religion and can be used in early childhood classrooms.

These books represent but a small sample of powerful pieces of children’s literature that we believe fosters understanding and respect and can be used as a vehicle for raising children’s awareness of religious traditions in our world. While some of the books focus on specific holidays, people or concepts others have a broader cultural focus.