Characteristics of Quality Multicultural Literature
- Shows the characters as unique individuals
- Portrays all people as being respected for being themselves not for their outstanding abilities to gain approval
- Shows the characters as physically diverse
- Allows the reader to identify with the characters
- Accurately portrays culture
- Describes social issues and problems frankly and accurately
- Has problems resolved without intervention from the dominate race or culture
- Shows all characters as equal
- Glorifies all people's achievements
- Presents accurate events and information
- Describes the setting authentically
- Seeks to rectify historical distortions and omissions
- Provides legitimate dialog
- Void of all bias and stereotypes
- Author accurately identifies with or is a member of the culture portrayed
- Culture is portrayed multidimensionally
- Appropriate detail of insider perspective is provided as a natural part of the piece
Sample literature and multicultural plans
Four activities to discuss goals or outcomes as - social studies, reading comprehension, multicultural, or literature
Quality Multicultural book list
Native American
Other
- Susan Harjo report - to the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs - Effects of Stereotyping
- Notes on Native Americans
- Literature for the Winnegago, Hochunk, Hotcâgara
- Some books by Joseph Bruchac
- Sign of the Beaver report
- Indian in the Cupboard Critique
References with Ideas for the Use of Multicultural Literature:
It's not on the list: An exploration of teachers' perspectives on using multicultural literature. By: Stallworth, B. Joyce; Gibbons, Louel; Fauber, Leigh. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Mar2006, Vol. 49 Issue 6, p478-489, 12p. (Journal Article)
Guiding principles for teaching multicultural literature. By: Louie, Belinda Y.. Reading Teacher, Feb2006, Vol. 59 Issue 5, p438-448, 11p. (Article)
Multicultural literature and discussion as mirror and window? By: Glazier, Jocelyn; Jung-A Seo. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, May2005, Vol. 48 Issue 8, p686-700, 15p. (Article)
Personal response and social responsibility: Responses of middle school students to multicultural literature. By: Dressel, Janice Hartwick. Reading Teacher, May2005, Vol. 58 Issue 8, p750-764, 15p, 5 charts, 1 graph. (Article)
Literacy, literature, and diversity. By: Hinton, KaaVonia; Berry, Theodorea. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Dec2004/Jan2005, Vol. 48 Issue 4, p284-288, 5p. (Article)
Multicultural literature and young adolescents: A kaleidoscope of opportunity. By: Landt, Susan M.. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, May2006, Vol. 49 Issue 8, p690-697, 8p. (Article)
Experiencing things not seen: Educative events centered on a study of Shabanu. By: Boyd, Fenice B.. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Mar2003, Vol. 46 Issue 6, p460, 15p, 1bw. (Article)
Dr. Robert Sweetland's Notes ©