Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006
Dr. Amy Camardese, Westminster professor of education, was recently selected as co-chair of the 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.
The committee has been in existence for 24 years and selects books for children in grades K-12. "We look 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 twist on a traditional theme, and are of high quality.
"I have served on this committee for three years," Camardese said. "There are about 500 books reviewed each year. Each book is reviewed by three committee members, and this year I'm in the process of reading 125 books. We start receiving books in July and the last books are sent in the beginning of December. I still have about 25 books to read before the committee meets in New York City Jan. 13. At this meeting we will discuss each book and all three reviewers must agree that the book is notable' before it can be included on the Notable List.
"By serving on this committee and reading all of these books, I enrich my scholarship about historical figures, events, contemporary concerns, environment, geography, peoples, and places. I share these books with my Westminster students. In fact, I have them read several of the books and evaluate them in the same way I have to evaluate them. I also teach my students various strategies for incorporating literature into teaching social studies."
Camardese presented "Read Anything Good Lately? Elementary Level Books, K-6" at the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.
"I presided over the session and presented on a book, A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson," Camardese said. "My presentation was related to my work on the Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People."
Camardese, who has been with Westminster since 2001, earned her undergraduate degree at Ohio University, master's from the University of Pittsburgh, and Ph.D. from Kent State University. Camardese is also a member of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award Committee.
Contact Camardese at (724) 946-7183 or e-mail mailto:camardah@westminster.edu for more information.
