Tunnel/Jacobs: Children's Literature Briefly (Chapter 12)

Tunnel and Jacobs make good personal reflections in chapter 12. They point out that history text books tend to be more about facts than people or events, so students have a hard time making a relevant, personal connection with the past. Yet, they also mention that the historical facts in these books are condensed so much, that they seem more like footnotes. The authors feel that historical fiction is best for engaging students on this subject, because these books may provide multiple perspectives of historical events or people. In addition, Tunnel and Jacobs believe that history should not be "sugarcoated", because then we lose the importance of lessons to be learned from unsavory events or individuals. For instance, one author could paint General George Custer as a great soldier and Indian fighter, but another account could show that he was an arrogant and heartless individual bent on the extermination of all Indians. Tunnel and Jacobs believe that these viewpoints are essential for students to develop a well-rounded perspective on history. They truly do not think that one bias rendition of past history is wise. For emphasis, the authors quote the immortal words of George Santayana, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."