Psst! MARE’S WAR is a 2010 Notable Social Studies Trade Book!
If you’re saying, “Whaaa?” you’re actually not alone. Most people don’t have any idea that there is a National Council for the Social Studies… but there is! And these are the people who make sure that what kids learn about history and geography and diversity and cultures, etc., is correct and not biased. It’s an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. Since we all know how much I love sociology and anthropology, knowing that Mare rates inclusion on a list with these guys makes me happy!
And this was the fine print on the list:
The books that appear in these annotated book lists were evaluated and selected by a Book Review Committee appointed by National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and assembled in cooperation with the Children’s Book Council (CBC). Books selected for this bibliography are written primarily for children in grades K-8. The selection committee looks for books that emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text. (Emphasis mine.)
Thank you, NCSS!