YAL2009

History 'Hitlerisation' Elsewhere, the QCA repeats its criticism - made in its last report - that there has been "gradual narrowing" and "Hitlerisation" of the history curriculum at GCSE and A-level. QCA chief executive Ken Boston said an overemphasis on Nazi Germany had led to subsequent events being ignored. History didn't end in Germany with the death of a dictator, the modern era began in Germany from that point Ken BostonQCA chief executive "While that period in history was absolutely critically important to us and we need to understand it and learn from it, let's look at the lessons that have been learned from it in the last 60 years and concentrate also on them," he said. "History didn't end in Germany with the death of a dictator, the modern era began in Germany from that point." Historical Association secretary Sean Lang told BBC Radio Four's Today programme, one reason for the focus on Nazi Germany was that teachers felt comfortable teaching the period. "But the main reason, to put it really bluntly, is because Hitler sells, as any publisher will tell you," he said. "And because 60% or so of pupils give history up at 14 - so if you want them to carry on you've got to, as it were, sell the subject - that's a very compelling reason for promoting it." Teaching of "black" history tended to focus too much on slavery and the effects of post-war immigration to the UK, according to the report. The effect was to "undervalue the overall contribution of black and minority ethnic people to Britain's past and to ignore their cultural, scientific and many other achievements". History continued to be "one of the most popular subjects among primary teachers" but this was "often not translated into good teaching and learning", the report says.

To select from the previous year's publications the best young adult book ("best" being defined solely in terms of literary merit)

What is quality? We know what it is not. We hope the award will have a wide AUDIENCE among readers from 12 to 18 but POPULARITY is not the criterion for this award. Nor is MESSAGE. In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, CONTROVERSY is not something to avoid. In fact, we want a book that readers will talk about.

The following criteria are only suggested guidelines and should in no way be considered as absolutes. They will always be open to change and adaptation. Depending on the book, one or more of these criteria will apply: Story Voice Style Setting Accuracy Characters Theme Illustration Design (including format, organization, etc.)