For this assignment, you will use the article, “Ten Steps for Reviewing Children’s Books,” by Louise Derman-Sparks & Julie Olsen Edwards, as a guide to evaluate multicultural children’s books for bias.
You will need to complete Part 1 and Part 2 in the exact format below for each of the 5 multicultural books that you review for this assignment. Make a copy of the required format below and type directly into the document. The content of Part 1 and Part 2 needs to be a minimum of 500 words for each book review (including the formatting).
Choose books that are inclusive of the following: children with disabilities; children of diverse cultures and languages; children of color; children’s genders; diverse levels of socioeconomic status; diverse family structures such as blended, gay and lesbian, adopted, single parent, extended families and etc. The books you choose must be children’s literature and at least two books must be aimed at preschool-aged children (2-6 years of age). Books for children from infancy to age 12 are appropriate choices and may include picture books, early reader books and chapter books.
You may also review books from your childhood. There are books available to you online too.
Required Format for the Children’s Multicultural Book Reviews Assignment
Part 1:
Title:
Author:
Illustrator:
Publisher:
Copyright Date
Part 2:
Check the illustrations: (Describe the illustrations and look for stereotypes and tokenism).
Check the story line: (Describe the story line in a minimum of 100 words).
Look at the lifestyles: (Describe the lifestyles).
Weigh the relationships between people: Describe the relationships).
Note the heroes: (Describe the heroes).
Consider the potential effects on a child’s self and social identities: (Describe the potential effects).
Consider the author’s or illustrator’s background and perspective: (Describe the perspectives).
Watch for loaded words: (Describe the words and the potential impact on children).
Look at the copyright date: (Include the date and the effect you think this may have on authenticity).
Always keep in mind the power of books: (Describe the impact that the words and images in this book might have on children).