ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how the narratives function for women and historical figures of color in American textbooks and how selections contribute toward multiculturalism and the concept of e pluribus unum, but often lack perspective of the very peoples seek to include. It talks about the Texas controversy to illustrate the often-unacknowledged relationships between political ideologies and the construction of perceived historical facts and events in textbooks and public school curricula. It then addresses future implications for educational practice and research related to diverse representations of people in children's textbooks. African American historical figures reach their dreams by believing in themselves, being persistent, and working hard. The chapter seeks to understand how historical narratives in children's texts seek to inform an American national consciousness. It then presents narratives of e pluribus plures rather than historical narratives promoting a cohesive, unified nation is unfounded.
