Diversity In Children's Literature

Christopher Myers is an author and illustrator of the children’s books. In his article “ The Apartheid of Children’s Literature” he quoted the study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin, which describes that out of the 3,200 children’s books published last year, just 93 books were written about black people and characters. According to the text, the article transmits the values of the children’s books and how the diversity plays an important role in the books. The main argument that the authors argued is a dearth of the characters of colors in the children’s literature. Also, the author’s point of view has been concentrated on kid’s self-esteem and self-worth. He called this the ‘mirror’ and the ‘map’ functions of literature. By using this comparison, he claims that kids unable to recognize themselves in the story and don’t see their future possibilities.

. Captivated by the trials of others’ encounters, the reader finds hope in his own life. For some, books are an escape. He is able to disappear into a new world, with different lives, and extreme or sometimes even similar situations. However, his real world problems are still ever-present. In Sherman Alexie’s article, “Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood,” he claims that many

Most children are reading fantasy books to entertain them and inspire their creative minds. From history up to today books are more appealing to children due to the entertainment aspect and pictures to draw children in the book. Today teaching a child or entertaining a child with the content in the book is separated most children’s books. Although this concept of teaching and entertaining can overlap when the author puts both together in a book even without seeming so. An author such as White using fantasy in the book Charlotte's Web allows him to teach a coming of age story for a target age without necessarily seeming to.

Literature if used correctly can enhance a child’s life. It can become a valuable tool in helping children to understand their home, communities and the world in which they live. Through literature children’s vocabulary, imaginations, and self understanding is built. Children should be exposed to literature that is age appropriate and within the context of learning respect for themselves and others by the diversity of the books. My literature plan is based upon multicultural diversity which reinforces reading readiness, read-along that emphasis multicultural songs and rhymes, build self esteem through art, music and movement and responses to literature.

This charming story reverses the typical roles within a children’s book. With underlying issues of stereotypes, independence and empowerment, it fills children with imagination and teaches them the importance of being strong, smart, and the realization that beauty comes from within.

Contemporary realistic fiction helps children feel like they are not alone. When I was younger it would bother me that I was the only girl. All my friends had sisters. I was jealous that they had sisters. I can remember reading Junie B. Jones and feeling cool that I had a little brother like her. I didn’t feel alone because of that book.

Children’s literature is an effective teaching tool for children but also a way for children to escape their daily lives through fantasy. Didactic material can be used to teach life lessons, manners and morals where subversive and fantasy genres can allow children to release from daily expectations and allows an outlet for their large imaginations.

The best picture books, are warm, humorous, and can be read again and again. There must be something new to take away each time you read it. It has to hold up to multiple readings. There must be substance, depth, and layering. This statement by Marisa Montes is significant to children because it sets how pictures books should be written and developed. Children’s books set the foundation of how children see things in the world and also the way they learn. Having picture books that are warm and humorous means that it creates a good environment in which children read, and a good relationship between reading and children. Within these picture books they must have substance, depth, and layering, this means that a child can produce their own meanings and messages to take away each time after reading, if the book is open to interpretation.

Like the concept of childhood, children's literature is very much a cultural construct that continues to evolve over time. (Reference).

Each of the concepts in the article, “Books for Young Readers” addresses the goal of student interest and engagement in reading. The section, “Ways of Reading” talks about balancing the personal and pedagogical responses to reading, which is not easy to achieve. Laura Jimenez and Kristin Mcilhagga are refreshingly open and honest in discussing their lesson on children’s historical fiction where they used the graphic novel, Storm in the Barn, by Matt Phelan. The book served their pedagogical objectives, but neither Lisa nor Kristin liked the book themselves and their students noticed. When asked if they liked the book, they had to admit that they did not. Educators must put themselves in their students’ position when seeking interesting and

Children books are a great way to promote diversity and provide information other than depending on teachers, parents, and television. Children books are invaluble to our children and society as they mold our society's education and written language. They resonate the temperament in our society about diversity and various social identities, such as race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, sexual orientation, and disabilities. Information young children retrieve from books, primary sources, and the media heavily influence their mental image of themseleves and others. Quality books have the ability to reinforce or undermine children’s acknowledgement of their characteristics, teach distinct/deludeding information about people of various identities,

According to Dr.Seuss, “The more that you read, The more things you will know. The more that you learn, The more places you’ll go”. I was about seventeen years old, watching my little cousin “Autumn” , while my aunt was in the hospital. Every chance I get I would read a Dr.Seuss book to Autumn, because reading kept her quiet or either put her to sleep. Reading to your child at an early age, As a child, I was introduced to books that competition my interest, hobbies and had plenty of sources to receive books. “How to make your child want to read? Encourage your child to read, by raising your child to love to read.”

Younger generations aren’t feeling as empathetic as older generations and this will lead to a dangerous society. Empathy is the ability to understand and share feelings. Teaching empathy at a young age will allow one another to accept and communicate with each other. It is also a necessity skill in

Importance of Knowledge of Theory There are numerous children’s books available for educators to utilize as they create, integrate, and incorporate reading books into their lessons. When selecting books for students, many factors come into play. One central component to employ when selecting Children’s books is ensuring the book is developmentally appropriate for the child (Lennox, 2013). In order to select

Multicultural literature is a way of increasing cultural awareness. Through multicultural books many young readers are able to make a connection with their own culture