Why Diversity In Children’s Books Is Important, A Framework For Cultivating A Multicultural Library And A List Of Books Reviewed
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Stella Brown (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Damiana Pyles
Abstract: This project was inspired by the recent book bannings and censorship in education bills that have been popping up across the country. I had only heard of a few, but this was not an isolated instance. 137 of these bills have been introduced across 35 states. I knew these bills were bad news, but wanted to look into the research and theory that proves that. Unfortunately, these bills are still a recent phenomenon so there is not much research to be found. I decided the best place to begin was to look at the importance of a multicultural library. Multicultural libraries are important for several reasons. They improve student engagement in reading, improve empathy in students, and tell students they matter. I also wanted to look into how to build a multicultural library and found a set of criteria for evaluating books from the Essentials of Children’s Literature, Ninth Edition textbook, written by Short, K., Lynch-Brown, C., & Tomlinson, C. These criteria are as follows: 1. Authenticity of cultural beliefs author/illustrator insider’s perspective?; 2. Accuracy of cultural details (such as food, clothing, homes, speech patterns, etc.); 3. Integration of culturally authentic language; 4. Power relationships between characters; 5. Perspectives and audience; 6. Balance between historic and contemporary views of groups; 7. Adequate representation of any group within a collection of books. I’ve also evaluated some books for a multicultural library, focusing on African-American literature to allow a deep dive. These books include An American Story and The Undefeated, both by Kwame Alexander, Black Girl Magic, by Mahogany Brown, I Am Every Good Thing, by Derrick Barnes, Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me, written by Daniel Beaty, Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry, and Mae Among The Stars, by Roda Ahmed.
Why Diversity In Children’s Books Is Important, A Framework For Cultivating A Multicultural Library And A List Of Books Reviewed
PDF (Portable Document Format)
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Created on 2/13/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Honors Project
- Brown, S. (2024). Why Diversity In Children’s Books Is Important, A Framework For Cultivating A Multicultural Library And A List Of Books Reviewed. Unpublished Honors Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- multicultural library, libraries, censorship, banned books