Program Learning Outcome 2

Diverse literature has been an important part of my life for many years and I have built up a large number of resources on finding quality diverse books for kids. Putting together the Passport to Multicultural Literature put all of that information into one place along with the many justifications on why diverse literature is so important. When I analyzed the collection for the CAMP project, I had to do the diversity audit by hand. Going in and truly looking at the gaps that existed and the disproportionate number of titles with main characters that were white or just animals versus any person of color or different religion was eye opening. Thankfully, the project also allowed me to dig deeper into locating quality graphic novels for elementary school aged children that were diverse.

By now we all know of Rudine Sims Bishop and her powerful piece on books being "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors". It is very difficult to be in the minority and to not see yourself represented in the books and television that are available. Not feeling seen can also impact a student's engagement with a text or a class. Books that feature multicultural characters can help not only promote engagement with the texts, but "racial pride, self-efficacy, motivation, and coping strategies when faced with challenges, including negative peer pressures and isolation" (Ford, 2019 p. 55). It has also been shown that background knowledge is vital to comprehension at any level. One middle school teacher explained that "If students can access the text by connecting to cultural commonalities and reading levels, they achieve greater success" (as quoted in Adams, 2013).

In addition to the work that I have done in this program, I am also on a task force that puts together a summer reading program for the children in Moore County. Through summer reading stations across the county, Partners for Family and Children and The Moore Literacy Council work together to offer chances for children to experience the joy of reading, receive a free book of their choice, and get a light lunch. The children who attended the station I ran in 2020 are those that will be feeding into or who already attend Southern Pines Elementary School. They were captive audiences who loved being read to and many were shocked when we told them that they could in fact keep the books. Connecting outside of our libraries is an important part of being a librarian and this program exists to respond to the diverse needs of our community.