Children's Literature in North America

In North America we have many cultures, nationalities, and religious affiliations. Finding multicultural literature can be a challenge for teachers and librarians, but with some work and a little research, they can purchase children's literature North American books that will interest and beguile children and young adult readers. Finding books about main stream American white children and teenagers is very simple. These books are everywhere so if libraries are to be balanced, librarians must find more multicultural books.

Because the first people to inhabit our country were Native Americans, every library should have some books depicting realistic stories about their lives. These books need to replace the old stereotypical books about cowboys and Indians. Many experts have some great ideas on what to look for to add Native American books to library collections. These experts advise that librarians find books depicting specific native nations rather than books about generic Native Americans. Another great idea is to select books that describe modern Native American cultures. They also highly suggest that librarians select books which depict Native Americans and Americans in a balanced way with neither being all good or all bad.

Latinos are another culture that is often under represented in many American libraries. Gary Soto, a Mexican American author has some great advice for library selection committees. He suggests that librarians select books by Mexican-American authors so that the books will accurately depict the experience of Mexican-Americans. Authors from other cultures have problems getting the experience as well as authors who have lived the culture. Other experts suggest that librarians select books about Hispanic women who are modern and good role models, another great suggestion is to choose books with some Spanish words and phrases. The books should be written in a way as to show respect for the Mexican-American impact on American culture and our way of life.

Books that depict the African-American experience should also comprise a large part of any school or library's collection. Experts advise that librarians should understand that African-American experiences are all different and should not be lumped into one static category. Southern Blacks and their experiences will differ from that of Blacks who live in the North. By the same token, an inner city Black person will not have the same life as Black person who lives in a rural atmosphere. Obviously, librarians should avoid any books that seem stereotypical, insensitive, or negative.

Even if a school is comprised of mostly Christian children, the library should have some books that depict Jewish children's literature. When children read books about all different faiths, they become more understanding and tolerant. Experts advise that librarians should choose books that are informative while at the same time amusing and tell a good story. Many books depict Jewish boys and girls coming of age in America. Not all books should be about the Holocaust. Although the Holocaust is a very important part of history, any library should also have books about modern day Jewish children and their experiences,

Libraries have a duty to have a well-rounded collection with many multicultural books that will help students to learn about other cultures, faiths, and nationalities. Not only will students enjoy the books, they will learn tolerance.

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