Multicultural Children's Books

Multicultural Children’s Books

Multicultural literature is usually books about people of color, especially within the United States and Canada written to better define their culture, hardships they have encountered, or tell a story of their people; examples include African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinas/Latinos. Religious groups can also be included in literature in order to promote understanding of various religions; groups such as Jews, Catholics, Muslims, and Amish are often included. Individuals with intellectual or physical challenges can also be in literature reflecting diversity; these types of multicultural books define the individuals in a positive and informative way causing less of society to misunderstand them.

It is important to use multicultural books in the classroom to teach children at an early age about the differences, which can often be positive, and even the similarities between various types of people. Children need to read books that tell them about cultures different from their own.  Without the knowledge of other cultures, children will be raised to be close-minded to other cultures; thus when/if encountered with them be scared, unsure, or look down upon them. Being exposed to quality multicultural literature also helps children value the eccentricity of other ethnic groups, get rid of cultural ethnocentrism, and develop multiple standpoints. It is important for children to learn at a young age that all people experience feelings such as love and sadness no matter what color they are, their culture, or ethnicity.

The Hundred Dresses was written by Eleanor Estes and illustrated by Louis Slobodkin. The book is about a Polish American girl named Wanda Petronski; she was very poor and had no friends. The story however is written from the point of view of her classmate, Maddie who felt bad for Wanda. Wanda’s classmates teased her because she wore the same dress to school every day, but when teased, she claimed to have a hundred dresses in her closet. Wanda moved to the city, but afterwards won a competition after drawing her hundred dresses. The story’s moral is for readers to question their own attitudes and behaviors.

Through my Eyes is an African American piece of literature written by Ruby Bridges. The book won a Carter G. Woodson Book Award which is the National Council for the Social Studies. The little girl in the book became a pioneer in school integration at the age of six. She was chosen to spend her first grade year in what had been an all white elementary school. This story is one that tells about an important time that should be noted in African American History.

Children of the Relocation Camps was written and illustrated by Catherine A. Welch. This book is an Asian American literature piece. After Japanese warplanes bombed Pearl Harbor during World War II, the United States Government had reservations about the loyalty of Japanese Americans. Because of this, in 1942, thousands of Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forced from their homes and into relocation centers. The book looks at how Japanese American children left their lives behind and bravely tackled this discrimination.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, is a Mexican American literature piece written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Cesar Chavez was one of America’s most accomplished and noted Civil Rights leaders. He led the 340 mile peaceful protest march through California. Chavez also provoked a reason to and a mission for improving the lives of thousands of migrant farm workers. Chavez knew things had to change and thankfully, an entire country listened to him.  

Navajo Long Walk is a Native American piece of literature by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Shonto Begay. This book is about the tragic story of a proud people’s forced march from their homeland. They suffering they endured by the Navajos during a very bad/sad time in American history. “In Navajo Long Walk, Joseph Brunchac captures so well the suffering endured by the Navajos during a very bitter and ruthless period in American history,” said Harry Walters, Navajo director, Hatathli Museum, Dine college.

After reading these books, I have gained a new appreciation for multicultural literature. The COE Disposition of Tolerance has opened my eyes to the different aspects that are beneficial from multicultural literature. First of all, multicultural literature has helped me consider different perspectives; this includes how other people live their lives, attributes of other cultures, and how certain groups have been shaped or formed because of important events in their history. I want my awareness of different perspectives to be taught to my students though multicultural literature as well as myself being an example of being open to these perspectives. Second, multicultural literature has caused me to think about people representing a variety of differences. It is often easy to become consumed with one’s own way of life and culture when that is all you are ever around. However, after reading these multicultural books, I have become more appreciative and welcoming to others. Hopefully by using multicultural books in my classroom, students will learn this at a young age. Lastly, the books have caused me to put aside any prejudice or bigotry that I might have had after hearing about other cultures and the things that they have had to overcome to get to where they are today. Multicultural books can teach children and adults a new way of thinking about the world around them. Everyone should become familiar with different cultures and diversity from reading these influential and life changing books.

Bibliography

Bridges, R. (1999). Through my eyes. New York: Scholastic.          

Bruchac, J. (2002).  Navajo long walk. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society.

Estes, E. (1944). The hundred dresses. Orlando, FL: Harcourt.

Krull, K. (2003). Harvesting  hope: The story of Cesar Chavez.  San Diego: Harcourt.

Tunnell, MO., & Jacobs, J.S. (2008). Children’s Literature, Briefly. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Welch, C.A. (2000). Children of the relocation camps. Minneapolis: MN: Carolrhoda Books.