Exhibition Statement

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Introduction 

What was your favorite children's book and why? For “Generation Z” some of the most popular stories included titles like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Cat in the Hat. One might ask what these stories have in common. They all are stories “Gen Z” grew up on that were influential, impactful, and memorable. With pushes from initiatives like 500 By 5, children’s literature and reading are becoming increasingly important. However, despite the number of important identities that modern-day children have, few are being represented properly. With the increase of diverse people, families, and societies, representation within children's media is progressively becoming more important. In The Creating Children’s Books workshop, participants learned how to create children’s books that represent the unique perspectives of their authors and audience. The workshop exposed participants to topics like different styles of illustration and storytelling, different social issues, how they are specifically conveyed within children’s media, and what the process of creating a children’s book is like. 

History & Distinction

Marginalized populations have not been properly represented within children’s media, and efforts to improve this are still falling short. While one might think this is of little importance, representation impacts education and understanding. Literacy Minnesota, a nonprofit organization stated that “Diverse representations of characters in multi-cultural books are beneficial to all readers. Reading multicultural books: Helps people to better understand current world issues.” Exposure to multicultural literature increases awareness and empathy. ("Representation Matters"). 

Additionally, Children’s books teach children valuable lessons and influence them. Young learners can be introduced to important intercultural topics through children's literature. It may also serve as a vehicle for promoting social beliefs, both old and new, among young students (Ong). “Reading daily ... increases basic speech and communication skills, improves logical thinking, increases vocabulary, enhances concentration and discipline, helps ease transitions to major milestones, promotes school readiness, encourages a love of learning” ("500 by 5 Early"). 

Methods

When I started researching, I conducted a literature review of existing children's books and best practices when creating children’s literature and reflected on my own process of making a children’s book. In my workshop, I incorporated the information gathered from my research into engaging and interactive lessons that included activities such as brainstorming sessions, character creation, script writing, illustration, bookbinding, and peer feedback. Additionally, we examined and analyzed the successful aspects of an array of modern children’s books. I aimed to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that empowered students to create impactful work.

Audience & Impact

The audience of this workshop is children and their parents. I wanted viewers of these stories to be happy, feel seen, and like they are not alone with whatever issues or different identities they might have. The workshop influenced students' creative growth as individuals and as a community by encouraging them to think critically and creatively about issues of social justice and representation. It also fostered a sense of community and empathy among participants as they shared their own stories and experiences. Personally, I strengthened my teaching skills and was able to hear new perspectives and stories myself. I created relationships with underclassmen, peers, and staff that were beneficial throughout my college career. 

References

"Representation Matters: Diversity in Children's Books." LiteracyMN.Org, Oct. 2020, www.literacymn.org/representation-matters-diversity-in-childrens-books. 

Ong, P. A. L. (2022). Critical multiculturalism and countering cultural hegemony through children's literature. Waikato Journal of Education, 27(1), 51–65. https://doi.org/10.15663/wje.v%vi%i.884 

"500 by 5 Early Literacy Program." Charles County Public Library, www.ccplonline.org/500by5/. 

Acknowledgments 

This workshop couldn't have happened without help from numerous people. I would like to thank Harold, Heather, and Gabi for pushing me to do my best and helping me every step of the way. I'd like to thank my TA Jenny, for all of her hard work and help with every class. I'd like to thank my participants, who put up with me all semester and made amazing stories. I'd like to thank my friends, Jasmine, Eli, and Leo, for always pushing me to complete my lesson plans. Finally, I'd like to thank the Educator's Rising program for instilling a love for children's literature in me - none of these stories would exist without it.