This brief position paper describes the integration of children's literature into the social studies/humanities methods course for elementary school teachers at California State University (Rialto). The course is built around a thematic unit approach and reading and writing across the curriculum in order to give future teachers a model in preparation for teaching to meet state curriculum guidelines. Titles of books appropriate for each grade level, to address California history, and to make the bilingual connection are listed. Various teaching strategies also are described, such as "Book Talks" for thematic units, silent reading programs, and story telling. (EH)