What is multicultural literature? 

   Multicultural literature includes writings that offer the perspective of groups that have been marginalized due to race, gender, ethnicity, language, ability, age, social class, religion, spirituality, and sexual orientation.  This may include the following groups: African Americans, Women, Latinos, Gays and Lesbians, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, and Asians.

Why should multicultural literature be part of every elementary school curriculum?

     The simple answer is that it provides students with a wider view of the world and provides insights and ideas that they have never experienced.  The multicultural literature experience allows students to experience another culture through the eyes of other children and young adults.  This can create a bridge to awareness, understanding, and commonality.  Looking at additional benefits, learning about other cultures can foster more respect for individuals, acknowledge the contributions of minorities, encourage more tolerance for other cultures, foster pride in self and contribute to the elimination of prejudice.  Lofty goals, but perhaps a great place to start.

What criteria should be used for book selection?           Teachers should use the general criteria for book selection, but in addition, should keep the following in mind when selecting multicultural literature:

Ø      Make sure there are no stereotypical representatives

Ø      Dialogue is culturally authentic

Ø      Realistic social issues are presented

Ø      Minority characters are portrayed as leaders

      Book is well written and has something significant to say to young people

Ø      Check to see if the text has received any awards from the culture it portrays, for example:

Coretta Scott King Award (African American)

Belpre Medal ( Latino/Latina)

Tomas Rivera Award (Mexican American)

 Sydney Taylor Award(Jewish)

Americas Award   (Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States)

Batchelder Award (most outstanding children's book published in a foreign language and translated to English)