Choosing Books for Young Children
More books are needed about Asian-Pacific Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, gay and lesbian families, interracial/ethnic marriages and adoptions, stepparents and blended families. Getting a comprehensive selection still requires activism from early childhood educators and families. Books of folktales from different cultures are not adequate. These books are wonderful to use with young children to stretch their imaginations and awareness of human behavior and feelings; they are not useful for teaching young children about someone's culture. Imagine teaching young children in Africa about the USA by reading Appalachian folktales.
--- adapted from Anti-Bias Curriculum by Louise Derman-Sparks
All Kids Need To Celebrate All The Diversity In Our World.
Don't ignore muticultural books or books about people of color because there are no children of color in your family, classroom or neighborhood. Books depicting human experiences are valuable for all children - and perhaps even more so for children who are not exposed to people and other children different from themselves on a daily basis. If they don't have experiences of understanding and tolerance they will likely grow up most comfortable with the status quo - which unfortunately, in our society, still includes racism.
All children need mirrors. Choose books that provide reflections of every child in your group. All children need windows. Choose books that provide kids with opportunities to understand and identify with others who are different from them. Choose books that offer both mirrors and windows to your child's world and beyond.
Share your favorites and find new ones that stretch beyond your own memories and experience.
Find your favorite authors and illustrators and read their books frequently. Make sure to mention to your kids how you love the artwork or the way the author uses words. Talk to them about what they like or don't like in different books. Participate in book groups or online discussions that talk about new books and include provocative content. Remember it is OK to read books you don't like too, just talk about what wasn't good after you try them out. Have a wealth of good books about adoption, race & culture from which to choose, don't just focus on books that fit your exact family constellation or experience.
When Selecting Books, Look For Titles That:
- Encourage active, participatory, reflective learning.
- Invite responses, both emotional and intellectual.
- Are problem-posing.
- Are about something your child knows and care about.
- Provide multiple perspectives.
- Encourage dialogue, cooperative learning, the negotiation of meaning, and a spirit of inquiry.
- Acknowledge the uniqueness of your child.
- Provide an authentic and respectful view of the characters and culture they are representing.
- Books that represent children in your child's class, neighborhood and the world.
- Books that open up new images, ideas and information to your children.
- A balance of books addressing family, gender, people of color, disabilities, work, prejudice and activism.
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