In 1990, Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop wrote about and coined the phrase that literature should act as "Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors" (Potter, 2019). 

What does this phrase mean: that what kids read should act as "Windows and Mirrors"? This notion of "Windows," as referred to in books, is that literature acts as windows to allow readers to see the world around them and are able to see other cultures besides their own. In addition, the notion of "Mirrors" refers to the idea that literature acts as mirrors reflecting the reader in the world and readers can see themselves reflected in what they are reading.  Recently, a new element has been re-established or brought to light to the "Window and Mirrors" idea.  Bishop (2015), Professor Emerita at Ohio State University, states that literature also functions as a sliding glass door when the reader can walk through the door to experience and be a part of someone else's world as well as their own. 

 Children and young adults should be able to see themselves in the stories that they read, but it is also important that they are able to see and experience other worlds as well in the stories they read. In other words, it is important that children and young adults have a diverse choice to choose from in the books available for them to read, so they can learn not only about themselves, but also, learn about others. A way librarians work to help parents and their kids experience their culture as well as other cultures is to have a diverse selection of books and resources for children and young adults to access.