Using multicultural literature in the k 8 classroom

Multicultural Literature
in the K-8 Classroom

L Taylor
Ocean County Library
Fall 2008


What is multicultural
literature?


An umbrella term that may include
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International Literature
African American Literature
Native American Literature
Hispanic/Latino(a) Literature
Asian/Pan Pacific American Literature
Inclusive Literature (Jewish, GLBT, Arabic, disability, etc.)


Why is it important in the
classroom?

Multicultural Literature …


Expands horizons,
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“In schools often segregated by lines of color and class,
literature may present one of the few opportunities for
all students to encounter people of different racial,
ethnic, and socio-economic groups.”
(Rudine Simms Bishop)


Affirms identity,


“We have a whole generation growing up
without ever seeing themselves in print. What
does it mean if you don’t see yourself in books?
There is a strong connection between images
and identity”
(Pat Mora)


Builds bridges


“Cultural diversity is a strength for building
powerful learning contexts, not a problem to be

solved. Difference, not sameness, makes a
classroom and society strong.”
(Kaser and Short, 1998)


Multicultural Literature can…
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Provide knowledge or information
Offer varying perspectives
Span the curriculum
Promote or develop an appreciation for diversity
Develop critical thinking skills
Provide enjoyment!

Sonia Nieto (1992) (Sims Bishop, 1997)


What determines cultural
authenticity in literature?


Look for …
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Authentic and balanced characters
A setting consistent with a historical or
contemporary time
Themes, values and illustrations
consistent with those of the specific
culture
Rich cultural details


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A celebration of diversity as well as
common human bonds
An in-depth treatment of cultural issues
Characters who interact substantively and
authentically
Minority characters included for a purpose,
not a quota

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A story that invites reflection, critical
analysis and response
A book that meets generally accepted
criteria of quality for its genre
An appealing format and enduring quality

(Source: Sylvia Vardell, TWU 2007)


How can you determine
cultural authenticity?


Look for…
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Authors and illustrators respected
within the culture
Books that have won cultural awards
Well known multicultural publishers

Reviews by persons or groups within the
cultural group


Authors and Illustrators


Selected Authors and Illustrators

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INTERNATIONAL
Mem Fox
Graeme Base
Dick King-Smith
J.K. Rowling

AFRICAN AMERICAN
Mildred Taylor
Virginia Hamilton
Jerry Pinkney

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HISPANIC AMERICAN
Gary Soto
Pat Mora
George Ancona


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NATIVE AMERICAN
Joseph Bruchac
Paul Goble
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

ASIAN AMERICAN
Laurence Yep
Allen Say

Yoshiko Uchida

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INCLUSIVE (OTHER)
Naomi Shihab Nye
Eric Kimmel


Awards


Selected Awards

HISPANIC AMERICAN

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Pura Belpre´
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The Americas Award for

Children’s and Young Adult
Literature
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/>/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpremedal
/index.cfm

/>mericas.html

Tomas Rivera Mexican
American Children’s Book
Award
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o/?
t=anon

AFRICAN AMERICAN
Coretta Scott King
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INCLUSIVE

Schneider Family Book Award
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/>scottkingbookaward/corettascott.htm

/>awards&template=/ContentManagement/Conte
ntDisplay.cfm&ContentID=161878

Stonewall Book Awards
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/>t/stonewall/stonewallbook.htm


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NATIVE AMERICAN
Native American Youth
Services Award
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INTERNATIONAL

Hans Christian Andersen
Award
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/>thlitaward.htm

/>
Mildred L. Batchelder
Award
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/>/awardsgrants/bookmedia/batcheldera
ward/batchelderabout/index.cfm

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ASIAN AMERICAN

Asian Pacific American Award
for Literature
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/>ds.htm


Noted Publishers


Selected multicultural publishers

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INTERNATIONAL
Kane/Miller Publishers of
Foreign Children’s Books
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/>
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HISPANIC AMERICAN

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Arte Publico Press
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/>
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AFRICAN AMERICAN

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Just Us Books
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www.justusbooks.com

Jump at the Sun
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ASIAN AMERICAN

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INCLUSIVE

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Lee and Low Books

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AWAIR
Arab World and Islamic
Resources and School Services

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NATIVE AMERICAN

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Fulcrum Publishing
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/>
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/>dex.html


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