Before coming into this class I did not really know much about diverse literature. I thought of it more as literature that is about different people, countries, and ethnicities. That is what it’s mostly about, however evaluating it was something I did not know how to do or even think about doing. I am now much more aware of stereotypes that are put in books and how some of them could be hurtful towards a specific group or persuade children to think a certain way. I now know what to look for in book and what types of literature would be good to have in the classroom.
Something else I learned is what an inside and outside author is. The term is something that is pretty easy to figure out, but I have never really thought about evaluating a book based on that. It is very important to know if you are reading from an insider or outsiders perspective, because things could be very different between the two. Many of the books we read for class were by inside authors. This made them, with the exception of a couple, seems more real and the reader knew the facts were correct. This is not to say that outside authors shouldn’t write about things they are not insiders to, but it is just helpful to know whose perspective you are reading from.
I also found the video clip on Chief Illinwek very interesting and helpful. Before seeing the video I never really thought of mascots being offensive and what an impact it had on some people. I think showing this helped all of us become more aware of this type of situation and we were able to see what it was like from another perspective.
I now know what type of literature I would like to have in my classroom. Claire brought in many books for us to look at and evaluate and this was a great way to get us thinking about different books and become familiar with them. By taking this class I learned a great deal about books and authors in general. Going into my own classroom I will still have questions about books, and wonder what is considered good and what is not so good. I think I will always wonder about GLBTQ issues in the classroom because this seems to be a very touchy issue with many people.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Blue Roses Outside Book Review
Boyden, Linda. The Blue Roses. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc, 2002.
Booklist. Reviews on The Blue Roses. New York:Lee and Low Books. 2007.
In a review done by “Booklist” on the book, The Blue Roses, written by Linda Boyden, there seemed to be a very positive attitude towards the book. The review included a brief description of the book followed by only positive comments about it. It provided a great deal of discussion focusing around how the reader is able to watch Rosalie grow as a young girl and how the relationship she has with her grandfather blossoms as she gets older. As I discussed in my review as well, this book is one that can definitely help or aid young children in the grieving process. At the end of the review it says, “Youngsters who have lost a loved one or who share a special relationship with an older adult will relate to this touching story, which clearly shows what healthy grieving is like.” I like the way this review continues to go back to the growing process, like that of a flower. Since Rosalie loved to garden with her grandfather I feel this was a very important part of the book which centers on a young girl growing both mentally and physically. This review was wonderful in showing all of the important aspects of the book. I really don’t think there is one negative thing to say about it. Great book and review!
Booklist. Reviews on The Blue Roses. New York:Lee and Low Books. 2007.
In a review done by “Booklist” on the book, The Blue Roses, written by Linda Boyden, there seemed to be a very positive attitude towards the book. The review included a brief description of the book followed by only positive comments about it. It provided a great deal of discussion focusing around how the reader is able to watch Rosalie grow as a young girl and how the relationship she has with her grandfather blossoms as she gets older. As I discussed in my review as well, this book is one that can definitely help or aid young children in the grieving process. At the end of the review it says, “Youngsters who have lost a loved one or who share a special relationship with an older adult will relate to this touching story, which clearly shows what healthy grieving is like.” I like the way this review continues to go back to the growing process, like that of a flower. Since Rosalie loved to garden with her grandfather I feel this was a very important part of the book which centers on a young girl growing both mentally and physically. This review was wonderful in showing all of the important aspects of the book. I really don’t think there is one negative thing to say about it. Great book and review!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Final Eval. of Native American Books
I chose to focus on Native American literature for my final project. I am not too familiar with this genre of literature so I thought it would be interesting to write about and learn about. While looking for inside authors I had somewhat of a hard time finding them. I figured that pretty much all Native American books were written by Native Americans and African American books were written by African Americans, etc. This is surely not the case. I didn’t have too much trouble in finding books, but it was more work than I had expected.
As a whole my books were all very interesting. I found that half of them dealt with Native Americans as a culture and the other half dealt with Native Americans living an ordinary life with ordinary issues. Native Americans were all depicted in a very positive light and the books showed certain parts of the Native American culture such as the becoming of age for a young boy in Moonstick to young Indian boys being put in a residential school with no way to get home in Home to Medicine Mountain. The other books such as The Blue Rose and Jingle Dancer show Native Americans going through personal issues and living a modern ordinary life with no stereotypes. These books are all wonderful ways for children to learn more about themselves and the culture as a whole. Most of them would be wonderful for teachers to use as a teaching tool and help students to better understand the Native American culture. They also teach some lifelong lessons and could be a great asset to any lesson.
The authors of the books were all insiders. Most of the authors were told these stories by someone they were very close with. They were almost all true stories which depicted a very real lifestyle, most of which occurred many years ago. I thought this was very interesting to know these events actually happened. Some of it is very sad to know the way some were treated back before the war, but is very promising to know how things in life such as discrimination and stereotypes are beginning to diminish.
As a whole my books were all very interesting. I found that half of them dealt with Native Americans as a culture and the other half dealt with Native Americans living an ordinary life with ordinary issues. Native Americans were all depicted in a very positive light and the books showed certain parts of the Native American culture such as the becoming of age for a young boy in Moonstick to young Indian boys being put in a residential school with no way to get home in Home to Medicine Mountain. The other books such as The Blue Rose and Jingle Dancer show Native Americans going through personal issues and living a modern ordinary life with no stereotypes. These books are all wonderful ways for children to learn more about themselves and the culture as a whole. Most of them would be wonderful for teachers to use as a teaching tool and help students to better understand the Native American culture. They also teach some lifelong lessons and could be a great asset to any lesson.
The authors of the books were all insiders. Most of the authors were told these stories by someone they were very close with. They were almost all true stories which depicted a very real lifestyle, most of which occurred many years ago. I thought this was very interesting to know these events actually happened. Some of it is very sad to know the way some were treated back before the war, but is very promising to know how things in life such as discrimination and stereotypes are beginning to diminish.
Book Review: Jingle Dancer
Smith, Cynthia. Jingle Dancer. New York: Morrow Junior Books, 2000
Jingle Dancer, written by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a great book written for children. It gives the story of a young Muscogee-Ojibway girl who wants to participate in a powwow by performing a jingle dance like her grandmother once did. In order to do this dance, she must collect enough jingles to make rows on her dress. Jenna goes to different members of her family in order to collect enough jingles for the dress. Jenna’s grandma helps her put the dress together and practice the dance. When Jenna finally performs the dance she is very proud to represent different members of her family and do a wonderful dance.
This book is free of the stereotypes that are sometimes associated with Native Americans. Jenna watches a dance on a video, visits a friend in a duplex and visits her aunt who is a lawyer. The clothing is all contemporary as well as the neighborhood which Jenna and her relatives live in. Jenna is seen as a modern girl living in a modern home. She is not depicted as a Native American who lives in a teepee and wears feathers, which is how many Native Americans are depicted in literature. This book has wonderful illustrations which seem to focus a great deal on Jenna and her family. She looks very happy in all of the illustrations and Native Americans are seen in a very positive light. Jenna’s aunt and grandmother are seen as very modern as well. It is not until the end of the book where we see Jenna dressed in her jingle dress, dancing at the regalia. This goes to show how Jenna’s life is just like anyone else’s. Jingle Dancer teaches the reader about Native American customs as well as traditions of the culture.
The author of this book, Cynthia Leitich Smith is a mixed-blood member of the Muscogee Creek Nation. At the end of the book there is an authors note and glossary. These are two wonderful things to include in a book like this one. Many times readers don’t understand words or traditions and it’s helpful to have a further explanation. Jingle Dancer is Cynthia Leitich Smith’s first book and what a wonderful job she did with it. This book could easily be read by any audience.
Jingle Dancer, written by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a great book written for children. It gives the story of a young Muscogee-Ojibway girl who wants to participate in a powwow by performing a jingle dance like her grandmother once did. In order to do this dance, she must collect enough jingles to make rows on her dress. Jenna goes to different members of her family in order to collect enough jingles for the dress. Jenna’s grandma helps her put the dress together and practice the dance. When Jenna finally performs the dance she is very proud to represent different members of her family and do a wonderful dance.
This book is free of the stereotypes that are sometimes associated with Native Americans. Jenna watches a dance on a video, visits a friend in a duplex and visits her aunt who is a lawyer. The clothing is all contemporary as well as the neighborhood which Jenna and her relatives live in. Jenna is seen as a modern girl living in a modern home. She is not depicted as a Native American who lives in a teepee and wears feathers, which is how many Native Americans are depicted in literature. This book has wonderful illustrations which seem to focus a great deal on Jenna and her family. She looks very happy in all of the illustrations and Native Americans are seen in a very positive light. Jenna’s aunt and grandmother are seen as very modern as well. It is not until the end of the book where we see Jenna dressed in her jingle dress, dancing at the regalia. This goes to show how Jenna’s life is just like anyone else’s. Jingle Dancer teaches the reader about Native American customs as well as traditions of the culture.
The author of this book, Cynthia Leitich Smith is a mixed-blood member of the Muscogee Creek Nation. At the end of the book there is an authors note and glossary. These are two wonderful things to include in a book like this one. Many times readers don’t understand words or traditions and it’s helpful to have a further explanation. Jingle Dancer is Cynthia Leitich Smith’s first book and what a wonderful job she did with it. This book could easily be read by any audience.
Book Review: The Blue Roses
Boyden, Linda. The Blue Roses. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc, 2002
When Rosalie is born her grandfather cares for her while her mother works in a fish cannery. As Rosalie grows older her and Papa, as she calls him, work in the garden together sharing stories about life. Papa explains to Rosalie one day why her pea plants died and that everything eventually dies. Not long before her tenth birthday her grandfather dies. She is very sad, but seems to find some sort of comfort in the garden where she and Papa spent much of their time. While there she claims she can still smell him. This book is wonderful in dealing with issues of death with young children. Many times children don’t understand why people die and as a parent or teacher it is a very hard thing to explain. When Papa talks to Rosalie in her dream he is surrounded by blue roses. Blue roses are something that she had always wanted, but it wasn’t possible. Seeing a deceased loved one in a dream is very common for many people and is something that young children may be scared or confused by. This book does a great job in addressing the issue and showing readers that it is okay and death is really nothing to be afraid of.
The characters in this book are Native American. The illustrations and the story line are great in showing children that everyone goes through these issues. There was nothing stereotypical found in the book and it was one that anyone could relate to and enjoy. It simply showed an ordinary family going through rough times and how they overcame them. This is definitely a book that young children should read or have read to them. It would help them understand life and some of the phases that people go through. The descriptions were great and illustrations very bright and beautiful. This is a book that any child could enjoy and benefit from.
The author Linda Boyden is of Cherokee and French Canadian ancestry. As well as writing Linda is also a storyteller, telling American Indian myths. This was her first book which won a New Voices Award. Linda incorporated her experiences and her nationality into her writing and was able to produce a great children’s book.
When Rosalie is born her grandfather cares for her while her mother works in a fish cannery. As Rosalie grows older her and Papa, as she calls him, work in the garden together sharing stories about life. Papa explains to Rosalie one day why her pea plants died and that everything eventually dies. Not long before her tenth birthday her grandfather dies. She is very sad, but seems to find some sort of comfort in the garden where she and Papa spent much of their time. While there she claims she can still smell him. This book is wonderful in dealing with issues of death with young children. Many times children don’t understand why people die and as a parent or teacher it is a very hard thing to explain. When Papa talks to Rosalie in her dream he is surrounded by blue roses. Blue roses are something that she had always wanted, but it wasn’t possible. Seeing a deceased loved one in a dream is very common for many people and is something that young children may be scared or confused by. This book does a great job in addressing the issue and showing readers that it is okay and death is really nothing to be afraid of.
The characters in this book are Native American. The illustrations and the story line are great in showing children that everyone goes through these issues. There was nothing stereotypical found in the book and it was one that anyone could relate to and enjoy. It simply showed an ordinary family going through rough times and how they overcame them. This is definitely a book that young children should read or have read to them. It would help them understand life and some of the phases that people go through. The descriptions were great and illustrations very bright and beautiful. This is a book that any child could enjoy and benefit from.
The author Linda Boyden is of Cherokee and French Canadian ancestry. As well as writing Linda is also a storyteller, telling American Indian myths. This was her first book which won a New Voices Award. Linda incorporated her experiences and her nationality into her writing and was able to produce a great children’s book.
Book Review: Moonstick
Bunting, Eve. Moonstick: The Seasons of the Sioux. Joanna Cotler Books, 1997.
Moonstick: The Seasons of the Sioux is a wonderful book written by Eve Bunting. It describes a young Dakota Indian boy coming of age under the thirteen moons of the Sioux year. His father has a moonstick which he makes a notch in each time there is a change in the season or new moon. It is meant to represent a new year. During each season the young boy sees how things change and how his tribes way of living changes. This picture book is set up in a way to help the reader understand the different seasons of the Sioux and follow a boy’s journey towards manhood. The way the book is set up is very unique and the pictures depict the different seasons. The book begins with the Moon of the Birth of Calves following through to the Moon of the Thunderstorms, Moon of the Frost on the Tipi and ending with the Moon when the Grass Comes up.
This Native American story allows readers to venture into life as a Native American by the very inviting pictures. It depicts the Sioux culture very realistically while at the same time incorporating a message to children who may not fully know their ancestral background. This book is a great one to have in the classroom helping children to learn about different cultures. This story gives facts of the Sioux culture in a very interesting and poetic way. This is a very fun way for children to have fun with this book and use it to the fullest extent.
Author Eve Bunting is a very versatile author who has written over one hundred children’s books. She has researched different topics and enjoys writing about a diverse array of topics. Illustrator John Sandford has traveled to many Sioux Indian Museums in order to research paintings especially for this book. Through his research he became very informed of the Sioux Indians and their culture. This book has wonderful illustrations depicting very real events.
Moonstick: The Seasons of the Sioux is a wonderful book written by Eve Bunting. It describes a young Dakota Indian boy coming of age under the thirteen moons of the Sioux year. His father has a moonstick which he makes a notch in each time there is a change in the season or new moon. It is meant to represent a new year. During each season the young boy sees how things change and how his tribes way of living changes. This picture book is set up in a way to help the reader understand the different seasons of the Sioux and follow a boy’s journey towards manhood. The way the book is set up is very unique and the pictures depict the different seasons. The book begins with the Moon of the Birth of Calves following through to the Moon of the Thunderstorms, Moon of the Frost on the Tipi and ending with the Moon when the Grass Comes up.
This Native American story allows readers to venture into life as a Native American by the very inviting pictures. It depicts the Sioux culture very realistically while at the same time incorporating a message to children who may not fully know their ancestral background. This book is a great one to have in the classroom helping children to learn about different cultures. This story gives facts of the Sioux culture in a very interesting and poetic way. This is a very fun way for children to have fun with this book and use it to the fullest extent.
Author Eve Bunting is a very versatile author who has written over one hundred children’s books. She has researched different topics and enjoys writing about a diverse array of topics. Illustrator John Sandford has traveled to many Sioux Indian Museums in order to research paintings especially for this book. Through his research he became very informed of the Sioux Indians and their culture. This book has wonderful illustrations depicting very real events.
Book Review: Home to Medicine Mountain
Santiago, Chiori. Home to Medicine Mountain. San Francisco, California: Children’s Book Press, 1998.
Home to Medicine Mountain written by Chiori Santiago is a wonderful book about two brothers who are separated from their family and sent to live at a government run Indian residential school. The book tells us the hardships that the two young boys faced and how they were able to overcome obstacles. This book is one that can show children what life was like for some Indian children who were forced to leave their families and go to very strict schools where they were not allowed to speak their native language. The story ends with the boys escaping the boarding school by jumping on a freight train heading back home. This shows a great deal of courage and integrity on the boys’ part, which would be appealing to many young children.
This book, a great one for teaching students about life in the 1930’s, could potentially enforce some stereotypes. In the pictures all of the teachers are white and look very mean. Even though this is how it happened, children could become a little confused and angry with white people for treating the Indians as they did. They would not really understand why the young Indian boys were treated so poorly and taken from their families with no way to get home. There was also no glossary in the book to explain some of the traditions, symbols or words that were discussed throughout the book. If this book was to be used in a lesson and children were given a bit more information dealing with Medicine Mountain and all that went with it then I don’t think the confusion would arise.
The first page of the story lets the reader know that it is a true story and the events actually happened to the father and uncle of the author. Chiori Santiago wrote this book based on events that she has heard through her grandparents and their children. She is clearly an insider to Native Americans and their past.
Home to Medicine Mountain written by Chiori Santiago is a wonderful book about two brothers who are separated from their family and sent to live at a government run Indian residential school. The book tells us the hardships that the two young boys faced and how they were able to overcome obstacles. This book is one that can show children what life was like for some Indian children who were forced to leave their families and go to very strict schools where they were not allowed to speak their native language. The story ends with the boys escaping the boarding school by jumping on a freight train heading back home. This shows a great deal of courage and integrity on the boys’ part, which would be appealing to many young children.
This book, a great one for teaching students about life in the 1930’s, could potentially enforce some stereotypes. In the pictures all of the teachers are white and look very mean. Even though this is how it happened, children could become a little confused and angry with white people for treating the Indians as they did. They would not really understand why the young Indian boys were treated so poorly and taken from their families with no way to get home. There was also no glossary in the book to explain some of the traditions, symbols or words that were discussed throughout the book. If this book was to be used in a lesson and children were given a bit more information dealing with Medicine Mountain and all that went with it then I don’t think the confusion would arise.
The first page of the story lets the reader know that it is a true story and the events actually happened to the father and uncle of the author. Chiori Santiago wrote this book based on events that she has heard through her grandparents and their children. She is clearly an insider to Native Americans and their past.
Book Review: Crossing Bok Chitto
Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok Chitto. Texas: Cinco Puntos Press, 2006.
Crossing Bok Chitto written by Tim Tingle is a great book for children to learn about the Choctaws, a nation of Indian people and the plantation owners and their slaves. When Martha Tom goes off in search of blackberries upon her mothers’ request, she is unable to find them. Martha Tom crosses the Bok Chitto comes across a black church in the woods. While doing so she meets an African American slave boy and his family on the other side of the river. Little Mo is told by his father to bring Martha Tom back across the river. While doing so she shows him how to cross; by an unseen stone path that was made by the Choctaws. The two form a friendship and soon help each other to freedom. When Martha Tom finds out the mother is going to be sold she helps the family cross the river to the other side where they will be free. After doing so Martha Tom’s family comes out and welcomes the slave family and praises them for crossing and freeing themselves.
This book did not seem to portray stereotypes; it simply told the story how it was. It showed that even though the Choclaws and slaves were on different sides of the river, they were able to get along and help each other to freedom. The illustrations were very accurate showing the Indians and African Americans and how the two cultures got along and helped each other. The pictures are very vivid and colorful and really help the reader to feel as if they are actually part of the story. The pictures as well as the story show a great deal of emotion, especially when the family is told the mother has been sold. During this part of the story the reader feels as if they are actually there experiencing what the family is going through. The way they all come together as a family is wonderful. After they find this news out Little Mo speaks up and suggests going with his mother. This shows young readers that even though they are little they are able to make a difference. This book tells the story of the Bok Chitto River that cuts through the Mississippi and the significance of it. It gives us a look at real events and depictions of what life was like for each group back before the war. It shows and tells us different traditions of the Choctaw Indians, which the author took from his ancestors. This book would be great for teachers when covering the Underground Railroad. This was a great book focusing on unity, acceptance and family.
This author is an insider taking his ideas from his ancestors. Tim Tingle is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He has many other books which have won awards for their excellence. All of his ideas come from stories told and passed down by his ancestors. At the end of the book Tingle gives the reader information on Choctaws Today and also Choctaw Storytelling. This is very interesting and gives more background information.
Crossing Bok Chitto written by Tim Tingle is a great book for children to learn about the Choctaws, a nation of Indian people and the plantation owners and their slaves. When Martha Tom goes off in search of blackberries upon her mothers’ request, she is unable to find them. Martha Tom crosses the Bok Chitto comes across a black church in the woods. While doing so she meets an African American slave boy and his family on the other side of the river. Little Mo is told by his father to bring Martha Tom back across the river. While doing so she shows him how to cross; by an unseen stone path that was made by the Choctaws. The two form a friendship and soon help each other to freedom. When Martha Tom finds out the mother is going to be sold she helps the family cross the river to the other side where they will be free. After doing so Martha Tom’s family comes out and welcomes the slave family and praises them for crossing and freeing themselves.
This book did not seem to portray stereotypes; it simply told the story how it was. It showed that even though the Choclaws and slaves were on different sides of the river, they were able to get along and help each other to freedom. The illustrations were very accurate showing the Indians and African Americans and how the two cultures got along and helped each other. The pictures are very vivid and colorful and really help the reader to feel as if they are actually part of the story. The pictures as well as the story show a great deal of emotion, especially when the family is told the mother has been sold. During this part of the story the reader feels as if they are actually there experiencing what the family is going through. The way they all come together as a family is wonderful. After they find this news out Little Mo speaks up and suggests going with his mother. This shows young readers that even though they are little they are able to make a difference. This book tells the story of the Bok Chitto River that cuts through the Mississippi and the significance of it. It gives us a look at real events and depictions of what life was like for each group back before the war. It shows and tells us different traditions of the Choctaw Indians, which the author took from his ancestors. This book would be great for teachers when covering the Underground Railroad. This was a great book focusing on unity, acceptance and family.
This author is an insider taking his ideas from his ancestors. Tim Tingle is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He has many other books which have won awards for their excellence. All of his ideas come from stories told and passed down by his ancestors. At the end of the book Tingle gives the reader information on Choctaws Today and also Choctaw Storytelling. This is very interesting and gives more background information.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Looking Back
As the semester comes to an end I have been thinking back on what we have learned and went over in class. I really enjoyed looking through different books and evaluating them as good and bad representations of diverse children’s literature. I think this, more so than anything else, has helped me in determining such. It is helpful to be able to see for myself what a good book consists of rather than just read about “what a good book entails”. I liked to hear what other people in the class had to say about their books and the different opinions throughout the class. There is no way that one person is able to evaluate every book that is offered to us, so it is helpful to have different groups share their findings with the class.
It is also fun to see books that we have talked about in class, in children’s libraries. When I go to ELPL I enjoy seeing books that we have discussed and know what the book is about and if it’s a good or bad representation of a specific group. I also think back on books we went over in TE 348 and do the same thing. I currently nanny for two families with young children and both families have a large array of books for their children. I find it interesting to see the ones they like to read verses the ones they don’t really care for. The other day the boys brought me a book that we had talked about in class a couple of weeks ago. It was Skippyjon Jones In Mummy Trouble. I think the class came to the conclusion that it was a book which seemed to be a mockery of the Spanish language adding “ito” to the end of many words. It does include other Spanish words but also adds “ito” to the end of English words. As I was looking at a website I found some customer reviews of the books. Many people gave it 5 out of 5 stars and loved the book. There were a few reviews that discussed how they could have enjoyed the book more if they had a better background of the Spanish language. They also commented on how this book stereotyped Mexicans to the fullest extent and found the books to be very offensive. I found both of these reviews very interesting and knowing what I know from TE 448, I would have to agree with the second comment noting that the book was full of stereotypes and is not a book I would have in my classroom library.
It is also fun to see books that we have talked about in class, in children’s libraries. When I go to ELPL I enjoy seeing books that we have discussed and know what the book is about and if it’s a good or bad representation of a specific group. I also think back on books we went over in TE 348 and do the same thing. I currently nanny for two families with young children and both families have a large array of books for their children. I find it interesting to see the ones they like to read verses the ones they don’t really care for. The other day the boys brought me a book that we had talked about in class a couple of weeks ago. It was Skippyjon Jones In Mummy Trouble. I think the class came to the conclusion that it was a book which seemed to be a mockery of the Spanish language adding “ito” to the end of many words. It does include other Spanish words but also adds “ito” to the end of English words. As I was looking at a website I found some customer reviews of the books. Many people gave it 5 out of 5 stars and loved the book. There were a few reviews that discussed how they could have enjoyed the book more if they had a better background of the Spanish language. They also commented on how this book stereotyped Mexicans to the fullest extent and found the books to be very offensive. I found both of these reviews very interesting and knowing what I know from TE 448, I would have to agree with the second comment noting that the book was full of stereotypes and is not a book I would have in my classroom library.
Boy Meets Boy
I just finished the book Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan and thought it was a pretty good book. It kept my attention throughout and it made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next. It dealt with many different gay and lesbian issues ranging from coming out to not having accepting parents. The second chapter of the book beginning on page 8, caught me off guard a bit. “I’ve always known I was gay, but it wasn’t confirmed until I was in kindergarten. It was my teacher who said so. It was right there on my kindergarten report card: PAUL IS DEFINITALY GAY AND HAS VERY GOOD SENSE OF SELF” (8). This seemed to me as unrealistic. There is no kindergarten teacher that would tell parents that their child is gay. Throughout the book it made notes that Paul was very accepted in his school and so were the other boys who were gay. Paul was elected to run a school dance and had a very large committee consisting of gay and straight children. The dance also was in memory of a lady who used to be a swinger in her day, and this was known throughout the school. During the dance a senior boy had to dance with a portrait of this lady. This is something that would probably never happen in any type of school. To me, that seems very strange and not something I would want to see at any kind of dance I would attend.
While reading the book, which I did enjoy, I thought it seemed very unrealistic. Thinking back to when I was in High School and Middle School being gay or lesbian was not “as” accepted as it is in this book. I think this could definitely give children misconceptions about coming out thinking that they will be treated no different. As sad as it is young children are treated differently and are not always elected as class president etc. I think this book is great I guess “wishful thinking” about everyone getting along and being treated equally. Infinite Darlene, the homecoming queen and start quarterback also seems like a highly fictional character. If a child went from being a guy and a star quarterback, to a girl it is highly unlikely that “she” would become homecoming queen. If that happened in today’s times there would be a great deal of talk and children would not be accepting of this. Again, it’s horrible that we can not all be accepting of such things, but it is something that students are not used to and have a hard time dealing with. Again, I think the book deals with GLBT issues in a very bright light and makes having gay relationships accepted by everyone. Another thing I found interesting is that Chuck tried to ask Infinite Darlene out. Chuck, knowing that she used to be a guy was still interested in her. Again, this is not something that would normally happen. In a perfect world maybe yes, but in today’s times, it’s very unlikely. All in all this was a good book and I did enjoy it, however I found it very unrealistic therefore making me question the whole issue at hand.
While reading the book, which I did enjoy, I thought it seemed very unrealistic. Thinking back to when I was in High School and Middle School being gay or lesbian was not “as” accepted as it is in this book. I think this could definitely give children misconceptions about coming out thinking that they will be treated no different. As sad as it is young children are treated differently and are not always elected as class president etc. I think this book is great I guess “wishful thinking” about everyone getting along and being treated equally. Infinite Darlene, the homecoming queen and start quarterback also seems like a highly fictional character. If a child went from being a guy and a star quarterback, to a girl it is highly unlikely that “she” would become homecoming queen. If that happened in today’s times there would be a great deal of talk and children would not be accepting of this. Again, it’s horrible that we can not all be accepting of such things, but it is something that students are not used to and have a hard time dealing with. Again, I think the book deals with GLBT issues in a very bright light and makes having gay relationships accepted by everyone. Another thing I found interesting is that Chuck tried to ask Infinite Darlene out. Chuck, knowing that she used to be a guy was still interested in her. Again, this is not something that would normally happen. In a perfect world maybe yes, but in today’s times, it’s very unlikely. All in all this was a good book and I did enjoy it, however I found it very unrealistic therefore making me question the whole issue at hand.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Project Mulberry
The book Project Mulberry I thought dealt with a few different issues, but only seemed to touch on them. Racism is brought up quite a bit throughout the book. It didn’t seem like there was ever a conclusion on the topic. This is not to say that everything that is brought up in the book needs to have a solution, but with something like racism, which I thought was a prominent issue throughout, there should have been some type of closure to the issue. There were many times where Julia questions her mother and thinks that she doesn’t like Mr. Dixon because he is black. She also mentioned that her mother questioned one of Julia’s teachers who was also black. Mrs. Song told Julia that she just didn’t think that her teacher had enough experience to teach the class correctly. Julia thought that this may have been true, but assumed it was because she was black. To me, as a college student it is pretty clear what is going on, but a young child may not pick up on the clues. I think Julia could have went more in depth with the issue and maybe talked with her mom and figured out why she felt such a way and maybe the two of them could have come to some type of understanding on the issue.
I also did not think the authors’ notes in between the chapters were necessary. It did mention that we did not have to read them, but when they are placed between the chapters you can’t help but read them. I did not think they gave much insight or extra information about the characters. It did say how some of them got their names and why they liked certain things but that is about it. I think Park was letting the reader know that she was an inside author, but that is something that could have been researched if it was necessary. While reading the commentary I began to get a bit annoyed and thought that they seemed very childish. This is a children’s book, I know, but it almost made the author seem as if she was immature. There was one point where the author and Julia were arguing back and fourth about a very unimportant issue. I do think the commentary adds something different to the book, and a little extra something, but nothing that is really of interest to the reader. I can’t speak for everyone who has read the book that is just my opinion. I think there could have been more important information placed in between the chapters which would have made it much more interesting and worthwhile.
I also did not think the authors’ notes in between the chapters were necessary. It did mention that we did not have to read them, but when they are placed between the chapters you can’t help but read them. I did not think they gave much insight or extra information about the characters. It did say how some of them got their names and why they liked certain things but that is about it. I think Park was letting the reader know that she was an inside author, but that is something that could have been researched if it was necessary. While reading the commentary I began to get a bit annoyed and thought that they seemed very childish. This is a children’s book, I know, but it almost made the author seem as if she was immature. There was one point where the author and Julia were arguing back and fourth about a very unimportant issue. I do think the commentary adds something different to the book, and a little extra something, but nothing that is really of interest to the reader. I can’t speak for everyone who has read the book that is just my opinion. I think there could have been more important information placed in between the chapters which would have made it much more interesting and worthwhile.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Personal Philosophy
This class connects to my professional goals in many ways. Being a teacher I will run into many children coming from different ethnicities and backgrounds. It is important for me to have diverse literature in my classroom and know what books are good representations of each culture. Not every book is going to be perfect, I know, but there are definitely some that are better than others. I can use information from this class to evaluate literature. I am also more aware of certain things in books and am able to pick up on certain stereotypes and assumptions that may be put in books whereas before this class I was not able to do so as well.
Issues of diversity play a large role in literacy teaching and learning. They are almost always incorporated in children’s reading in one way or another. I think it is important for children to learn about diverse issues and be able to read and write about them logically.
My personal philosophy about multicultural education is that we all must work together to form a learning environment which suits the needs of all children, knowing that they all come from many different backgrounds. Children’s literature fits into this philosophy in that while teaching I will have to find books and do assignments which cover a wide array of cultures. This is probably not something that will be required of me, but something I think is very important in an elementary classroom. Children should learn about those who are different and be informed of other cultures. This helps in schools when children wonder why someone looks or acts different than they do. Many times children do or do not celebrate certain holidays, and others will wonder why or why not. If I covered some of this information in my teaching there would not be open-ended questions put up by students and they would have a clear understanding of those who are different from themselves.
Some concerns I have with this philosophy is students asking me why it is important we learn about other people. Some students many not be willing to learn about other cultures because it does not directly affect them. I also see this as a challenge, in trying to get them to pay attention and really care about what we are discussing in class. I think it is very important to open young children up to diverse issues and get them thinking about it at an early age. If children begin thinking about diversity they will be more open to issues surrounding it. I truly think if I were opened up to certain issues when I was younger I would have a much stronger opinion on them and be more understanding to certain topics.
Issues of diversity play a large role in literacy teaching and learning. They are almost always incorporated in children’s reading in one way or another. I think it is important for children to learn about diverse issues and be able to read and write about them logically.
My personal philosophy about multicultural education is that we all must work together to form a learning environment which suits the needs of all children, knowing that they all come from many different backgrounds. Children’s literature fits into this philosophy in that while teaching I will have to find books and do assignments which cover a wide array of cultures. This is probably not something that will be required of me, but something I think is very important in an elementary classroom. Children should learn about those who are different and be informed of other cultures. This helps in schools when children wonder why someone looks or acts different than they do. Many times children do or do not celebrate certain holidays, and others will wonder why or why not. If I covered some of this information in my teaching there would not be open-ended questions put up by students and they would have a clear understanding of those who are different from themselves.
Some concerns I have with this philosophy is students asking me why it is important we learn about other people. Some students many not be willing to learn about other cultures because it does not directly affect them. I also see this as a challenge, in trying to get them to pay attention and really care about what we are discussing in class. I think it is very important to open young children up to diverse issues and get them thinking about it at an early age. If children begin thinking about diversity they will be more open to issues surrounding it. I truly think if I were opened up to certain issues when I was younger I would have a much stronger opinion on them and be more understanding to certain topics.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Al Capone Does My Shirts was by far the best book I have read thus far. It was an easy read, but at the same time a book that was hard to put down. The very first page of the book caught my attention and I wanted to keep reading. The way it was written was very interesting and I enjoyed how the book dealt with many different issues. I do think the main focus of the book was on autism; however it seemed as if it may have been on Al Capone, hence the title. Before I began reading I have no idea what the book was going to be about. I thought something with Al Capone, but then wondered how this would fit into our class and be about diversity. Even as I started reading I felt there was a focus on Al Capone and was still a bit confused. Even as Moose talked about his sister I was confused, it didn’t hit me until a couple chapters in what was going on and how this book fit in with our class.
I definitely think this was a very cleaver way to write the book. I think if the book was written strictly on autism younger children would lose interest and could be a little confused themselves. Having the extra information and real life situations helps students relate to the book and then begin to enjoy it and understand what is going on. I still feel students may be a bit confused as to what is “wrong” with Natalie and why she stays ten years old and why she does things a little differently than the other kids.
I also feel this book could help students who live with or know an autistic child or adult. It could help them see that Moose and his family had to work around Natalie’s disability, but were still able to live a good life and have friends and fun. At times it was hard, but it is like that in really any family. Everyone lives with some type of situation that may change their lives in some way or another. This book places an emphasis on autism, but not too strong of one. I think this is a great way to write a children’s book. It almost makes autism seem like its not that big of a deal and that even if you are or know someone who is living with it, the day will go on and things will all work out for the best. There was a lot going on in the book, but not too much to where a child could get overwhelmed with all of the issues of the book.
I definitely think this was a very cleaver way to write the book. I think if the book was written strictly on autism younger children would lose interest and could be a little confused themselves. Having the extra information and real life situations helps students relate to the book and then begin to enjoy it and understand what is going on. I still feel students may be a bit confused as to what is “wrong” with Natalie and why she stays ten years old and why she does things a little differently than the other kids.
I also feel this book could help students who live with or know an autistic child or adult. It could help them see that Moose and his family had to work around Natalie’s disability, but were still able to live a good life and have friends and fun. At times it was hard, but it is like that in really any family. Everyone lives with some type of situation that may change their lives in some way or another. This book places an emphasis on autism, but not too strong of one. I think this is a great way to write a children’s book. It almost makes autism seem like its not that big of a deal and that even if you are or know someone who is living with it, the day will go on and things will all work out for the best. There was a lot going on in the book, but not too much to where a child could get overwhelmed with all of the issues of the book.
Chief Illiniwek
Before watching the movie on Chief Illiniwek I never realized how it could be offensive to those who are Native American. I am from Norton Shores, which is right inside Muskegon. Muskegon High Schools mascot is the Big Reds, referring to Native Americans. The Big Reds are a very good football team and bring in many fans and spectators from all around. Never before have I heard of or seen anyone upset with the mascot or thought it offensive. This I am sure is because the percentage of Native Americans is very low in that area.
The Big Reds as far as I know haven’t had many problems with their mascot; however they did retire the Indian boy dance and logos. I think this was a very respectable thing to do. I don’t think mascots are put out there to be offensive or mock a certain culture. They are more for fun and help get the crowd involved in the game.
After watching the movie I do realize how this could offend some especially having the mascot be for a large university such as Illinois, which gets a lot of press. I was impressed with how hard the woman in the movie worked to get things changed. She really felt strongly about the issue and was determined to do something about it.
The Big Reds as far as I know haven’t had many problems with their mascot; however they did retire the Indian boy dance and logos. I think this was a very respectable thing to do. I don’t think mascots are put out there to be offensive or mock a certain culture. They are more for fun and help get the crowd involved in the game.
After watching the movie I do realize how this could offend some especially having the mascot be for a large university such as Illinois, which gets a lot of press. I was impressed with how hard the woman in the movie worked to get things changed. She really felt strongly about the issue and was determined to do something about it.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Habibi
Today in our response groups we discussed the book Habibi. We talked a lot about what it means to be living in an age not a place. We found many examples throughout the book which discussed how the age has changed and how certain things that used to be acceptable when Poppy was young, were no longer acceptable; most importantly the issue with Liyana being friends with a Jewish boy. We then began to wonder why Poppy tends to make Liyana feel as if she’s an outsider by not allowing her to be friends with certain people. Maybe he just did it because he didn’t know how else to handle the situation. He knew that being friends with a Jewish boy was not okay and didn’t want his family to be looked down upon, especially since they had just arrived. We don’t think he is purposely trying to hurt Liyana and make her feel as if she doesn’t belong, but actually trying to do just the opposite.
Throughout the book there are also many issues dealing with Palestinians and Jewish Israelis. When first reading the book, I really did not pick up on the negative stereotypes that were being portrayed. After reading an article by Don Cohen, I was definitely opened up to this. I do feel it tends to put Jews down and has the potential to be very offensive to some people. However, I do feel that in any book you are going to have some type of negative stereotype towards one group or another. I feel that in today’s society it is very hard to find a book that is agreed upon by everyone. With everything going on in the world, especially in the Middle East, it’s very hard to accommodate everyone accordingly. It’s definitely something that we all need to work on especially being teachers, trying to incorporate everyone into the reading without offending people.
Throughout the book there are also many issues dealing with Palestinians and Jewish Israelis. When first reading the book, I really did not pick up on the negative stereotypes that were being portrayed. After reading an article by Don Cohen, I was definitely opened up to this. I do feel it tends to put Jews down and has the potential to be very offensive to some people. However, I do feel that in any book you are going to have some type of negative stereotype towards one group or another. I feel that in today’s society it is very hard to find a book that is agreed upon by everyone. With everything going on in the world, especially in the Middle East, it’s very hard to accommodate everyone accordingly. It’s definitely something that we all need to work on especially being teachers, trying to incorporate everyone into the reading without offending people.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Insider/Outsider Debate
The insider/outsider debate is one in which I feel is very hard to make a decision one way or another on. I feel that anyone who has done a great deal of research or experienced being part of a certain culture should be able to write or illustrate stories about specific cultures. Someone who knows nothing about, for example being gay would have a hard time writing a story about it. The story would be nothing but stereotypes and assumptions. It is very possible for someone who is an outsider to write and illustrate about a culture that they are not part of as long as they have concrete facts and have done some work to gain an understanding of that specific culture. I also feel it is very possible for someone who is an insider to write and illustrate about their culture. Someone who is an insider may have an easier time writing and their writing could potentially be more interesting. This is only because they have gone through the experience and lived in the moment. If they were treated differently either in a good or bad way they can express that in the writing, probably differently than someone who has not actually had the experience.
I feel both works would be authentic as long as both parties had concrete information that expressed the feelings and desires of the characters in the story correctly. It is very easy for people to write based on stereotypes and think that they know what it is like to be someone else. This is something that would have to be avoided. It would be hard to detect, especially if you have not experienced the culture that is focused on in the book. I do believe with enough research and possibly experience it would be very possible to write an authentic book being an outsider.
Some questions to explore in class would be to discuss what really makes a piece authentic and why that would make it authentic. I would also like to know who decides what is authentic. Is it just someone from that specific culture or simply anyone. This debate is something that is very hard to make one concrete decision on. There are many great writers and illustrators who have won awards for their writing and some of them not from the specific culture discussed in the book. But who is to say if they are “authentic” or not, and if they are not then should they put in school libraries and be read to young children?
I feel both works would be authentic as long as both parties had concrete information that expressed the feelings and desires of the characters in the story correctly. It is very easy for people to write based on stereotypes and think that they know what it is like to be someone else. This is something that would have to be avoided. It would be hard to detect, especially if you have not experienced the culture that is focused on in the book. I do believe with enough research and possibly experience it would be very possible to write an authentic book being an outsider.
Some questions to explore in class would be to discuss what really makes a piece authentic and why that would make it authentic. I would also like to know who decides what is authentic. Is it just someone from that specific culture or simply anyone. This debate is something that is very hard to make one concrete decision on. There are many great writers and illustrators who have won awards for their writing and some of them not from the specific culture discussed in the book. But who is to say if they are “authentic” or not, and if they are not then should they put in school libraries and be read to young children?
Monday, January 21, 2008
My name is Jami McDonald and I am a senior at Michigan State University. I am majoring in Language Arts and Elementary Education. Diverse literature is something that is very important in the field of education and is something that every child should be exposed to.
When I was a child I was not exposed to much diverse literature. It was just something that we were not taught in school. We had diverse books in our library, but no one really pushed me to read them and explore what they had to offer. Growing up in a predominately white neighborhood, I was not exposed to much diversity. It was not until college, when I was able to see and experience many people of different races and cultures. At first I was very naive to different cultures and didn’t know much about anyone who was different from me. I learned quite a bit through reading various types of literature and meeting people who were able to open me up to new ways of thinking. I think it is very important for children to be exposed to this so they are aware of what else is in the world. Diverse literature helps children to understand different cultures and helps them to understand why some people celebrate certain holidays. I feel this is the best way to get this across to children. They are excited to read and can most easily relate to and understand something they read in a book.
When I was a child I was not exposed to much diverse literature. It was just something that we were not taught in school. We had diverse books in our library, but no one really pushed me to read them and explore what they had to offer. Growing up in a predominately white neighborhood, I was not exposed to much diversity. It was not until college, when I was able to see and experience many people of different races and cultures. At first I was very naive to different cultures and didn’t know much about anyone who was different from me. I learned quite a bit through reading various types of literature and meeting people who were able to open me up to new ways of thinking. I think it is very important for children to be exposed to this so they are aware of what else is in the world. Diverse literature helps children to understand different cultures and helps them to understand why some people celebrate certain holidays. I feel this is the best way to get this across to children. They are excited to read and can most easily relate to and understand something they read in a book.
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