Multicultural Children's Literature

Summary: Successful teaching means, in part, developing a keen sensitivity to cultural differences, creating a community of learners who are culturally responsive to one another. Exploring multicultural literature and its oral traditions is a good beginning for teachers to better understand their students and the significant influence that cultural backgrounds and experiences have on student behavior and student interactions.... The third edition ofMulticultural Children's Literature: Through the Eyes of Many Childrenexplores the oral traditions, history, and cultures represented in a wide array of literature. In separate chapters on African American, Latino, Asian, Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Native American literature, you will observe how cultures are influenced by history and recognize cultural values, beliefs, and philosophies shared through its literature. Using a five-phase approach, you will learn how to determine whether multicultural titles written for children and young adults are authentic examples of the cultures they portray. With that knowledge, you can engage students in a rich heritage of literature that will reveal commonalities and help them establish mutual respect for each other and for all cultures. [read more]