As a future educator, I am trying to build my classroom library so that it is diverse and all students are able to relate to the books that are presented in my classroom. This will ensure that all of my students know they have a place, that they belong, and are welcomed. I have learned that it is not about having a wide range/variety of books. It is about gathering books that students see themselves, others, and the world.
“When you help your students see themselves represented in books, you help them realize that they are valued members of society” (Bright, 2021, p.153).
Rudine Sims Bishop has been sharing her concern about not having enough diverse books in the world. Rudine explains that mirrors represent the peoples lives, windows view the lives of others, and sliding glass doors are portals for empathy.
Here are the latest statistics that CCBC’s posted about children’s book diversity:
Picture Books:
These are some of the books that I have in my library:
Be a Good ancestor – This book has an Indigenous Worldview centred on responsibility and unity, as it teaches interconnectedness and caring for our land. This book acts as both a mirror and a window as it allows Indigenous students to look at themselves and their communities, but also allows others to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing.
Wonder – This book explores differences and kindness while encouraging students to perspective take and be empathetic. This book connects to the sliding glass door.
I Talk Like a River – This book centres a child who stutters. It helps students explore identity and self acceptance. It connects to a window into differences and a mirror for students that have speech differences.
It’s Okay to Be Different – This book celebrates differences and opens conversations up about belonging for the primary grade levels. This book connects to windows and mirrors as well as a sliding glass door.
My Little Golden Book About Pride – This book celebrates love, identity, and acceptance. It explains the meaning of pride and the importance of being your true self and supporting others around you. This book represents a window and a mirror.
These are some books that I am wanting to add to my collection:
- All Are Welcome – Window, a mirror and somewhat sliding glass door.
- I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf – Mirror.
- Why Am I Me – Window and a sliding glass door.
- The Day You Begin – Mirror and window
- Sometimes I Feel Like A River – Mirror and window.
- My Heart Fills With Happiness – Mirror and window.
All of the books I have listed have potential for being a mirror, window, and a sliding glass door. I listed what I think fits best, but I also believe that as a teacher, you choose the focus when using them in your classroom.
Reflection:
As educators, it is our job to stay informed about books and which ones are appropriate and meaningful resources for certain topics within the school. A big help for me is following Adrienne Gear on social media and checking her website, as she posts amazing resources (picture books) that address about major topics, and diversity. I also think it is important that if you feel unsure about bringing and presenting a book in front of a class, that you should get in contact with your administrator and the families of the students. Additionally, having a diverse library in your classroom allows for students to connect to their personal life which relates to the BC Curriculum from Kindergarten to about Grade 4.