Anto Thomas Chakramakkil’s exploration of historical and contemporary critiques of iconic late twentieth-century American children’s books is wide-ranging and incisive, providing a comprehensive discussion of books we teachers have likely repeatedly assigned in our classes. These classics may well be books we ourselves read as students; they are canonical American literature. Dr. Chakramakkil provides us first with a thorough study of interpretations and critical perspectives. But even more fascinating and useful are his own conclusions about how we typically read and present these books to our own students, as he investigates the ideological assumptions underlying much of our interpretation. Most important are his own evaluations of and conclusions about these novels and their representations of American ideologies: Charlotte’s Web, Harriet the Spy, Tuck Everlasting, The Mouse and His Child, The Chocolate War, Sarah Plain and Tall, The Giver and Holes.” – Professor Alida Allison, San Diego State University.