An essay on the importance of using multicultural literature in the classroom
Multicultural children's literature does not exist to fill a quota, or simply to provide a quantitative "representation" of quickly changing demographics. Rather, just as European American and European children's literature imparts information and supports general educational goals, many multicultural children's books provide greater access to literacy, encourage critical thinking and philosophical discourse, and teach valuable skills, as well as promoting cultural understanding. Multicultural literature also includes stories that excite imagination, give credence to creativity, and expand overall literary appreciation. …
Today people of color write and illustrate fewer than 7 percent of the books published for children and young adults. This low level of editorial input has serious consequences for young readers, the education system, and society as a whole. The recent publication of three new versions of Little Black Sambo, for instance, reflects ongoing instances of what children's literature scholar Violet Harris refers to as "nostalgic racism." And who knows how many wonderful book projects have been killed by the lack of a broader vision of cultural inclusion? …
From the look of things now, a handful of small, multicultural presses will move into the twenty-first century with solid fiscal and editorial reputations behind them. Ideally these publishers will supplement ongoing efforts by major commercial houses to publish books that include and appeal to all Americans. But it remains to be seen whether these small presses will be able to sustain themselves at a time when big conglomerates consume smaller businesses on an almost daily basis. Judging from the past decades, the existence of these independent publishers will be crucial to intellectual freedom, pedagogical diversity, and the development of twenty-first-century visionaries.
From The New Press Guide to Multicultural Resources for Young Readers (The New Press, $60), edited by Daphne Muse. Available from W. W. Norton, 500 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10110; (800) 233-4830.