LibGuides: SOCY 101 (Arroyo): Background Research

Why background research helps

Getting background information and general facts about your topic is a good way to start your research. This not only helps you better understand your topic, but it also helps you formulate the boundaries of your research and key terms for your thesis statement. It can be a helpful guide to begin to narrow down your topic into a coherent and specific area.

Reference Books

Across Cultures: A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children
Arranged in thematic groupings (Identity and Self-Image, Family and Friends, Traditions, Exploring the Past in Diverse Communities, for example), this volume links diverse peoples, themes, and issues. Full bibliographic information is given for each resource, along with a suggested use level. Important awards are also mentioned.
The Cambridge Guide to Children's Books in English
The Cambridge Guide to Children's Books in English is an alphabetized reference work providing a critical and appreciative overview of children's books written in English across the world.
The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature
The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature covers 150 years of children's literature in many cultures: The United States, Great Britain, Canada, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and Asia.

Credo Reference

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo is a library database containing digital versions of encyclopedias and other reference works. Think of it as an academic Wikipedia, only curated by librarians instead of the general public.