#WeNeedMirrorsAndWindows: Diverse Classroom Libraries for K-6 Students

Abstract

Children's literature plays an essential role in the literacy development of children. This department column focuses on the teaching and use of children's literature and provides educators with information about a wide range of books across multiple genres that are representative of the diverse world in which we live. A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of having diverse library collections that take into account numerous factors, such as race, class, disability, and religion. This column also offers innovative approaches for bringing children and books together, as well as content analyses and rich descriptions of titles that share common features (e.g., endpapers, the blending of poetry and nonfiction).

Lessons Learned from a Review of Diverse Literature in The Reading Teacher (2015–2020)

“… Avoid limiting the search for diverse texts to those that have received awards such as the Caldecott and Newberry awards. Instead, seek books that were recognized for their representation of diverse ethnic groups, such as the Coretta Scott King Award (Boyd, Causey, & Galda, 2015; Koss, Martinez, & Johnson, 2016; McNair, 2016). Consider the authenticity of the characters’ experience to ensure that students are able to find relevance in the literature (Boyd, Causey, & Galda, 2015).…”

Supporting the Right to Read: Principles for Selecting Children’s Books

“…A book that may seem like trash to an adult may be treasure to a child. As another consideration, when educators are choosing multiple books for classroom or school library collections, they should choose books representing a variety of genres and subgenres, books at different reading levels, and books that are current (McNair, 2016; Roser, 2004). The collection should represent an array of genres and topics instead of reflecting the teacher’s or librarian’s personal preferences.…”

“…Sharing George as a window book may support cisgender children with becoming more understanding of and compassionate for their transgender peers. McNair (2016) recommended that teachers can seek diverse books by familiarizing themselves with awards such as the Coretta Scott King Award and the Pura Belpré Award, which are conferred upon outstanding books written by African American and Latinx authors and illustrators, respectively. Other awards include the Notable Books for a Global Society, which is given by ILA’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (http://www.clrsig.org) to honor books about diverse people and cultures.…”

Using Multicultural Picture Books to Promote Racial Justice in Urban Early Childhood Literacy Classrooms

“…There are multiple benefits associated with using multicultural picture books as tools to promote racial justice in the classroom (McNair, 2016; Osorio, 2018 a,b). First, multicultural picture books can serve as mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for children (Koss, Martinez, & Johnson, 2016; McNair, 2016; Sims-Bishop, 1990). In other words, multicultural picture books provide opportunities for children from diverse racial backgrounds to have their personal and collective experiences, histories, and knowledge bases related to race affirmed and celebrated in the classroom.…”