Final Blog

Ok so with the hussle and bussle of graduation, I completely forgot to post my last blog post. When reflecting back on this semester, I am amazed at the amount of information I have learned. Coming into this semester, I remember hearing things about what I may or may not learn in this class and the work load we will have to endure etc. I am happy to say that I am coming out of this semester feeling like I have a better understanding for what exactly is 'multicultural literature.' I remember going into this semester thinking, 'This class is going to teach me how to pick the right books to promote all cultures and all races authentically.' I now understand there is no way to teach a class of individual teachers how to pick the right books that will reflect upon their teaching styles, their understandings, and their personal classroom. This class is helped me understand the importance of promoting equality and tolerance among all the mainstream and not as mainstream identities. My college experience as a whole has taught me the importance of understanding how every person is individual in their own individual ways. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize those individual perspectives. Every learner has their own story and it is up to me as a teacher to help make sure their story is told both accurately and authentically. Thank you for helping me see how it is up to me as a teacher to make sure that I continue to educate myself on contemporary literature as well as making sure my classroom library contains books that are authentic. I am eager to begin my career as an educator and I believe this class has helped me see all the great ways I can teach my students one book at a time.

Reflection on Book Review

Overall, I felt like this project was beneficial for me as a future educator as it allowed me to venture out to try and find multicultural literature. Again I did my book review on Disabilities and being that Claire had had so many on the day we discussed mental and physical impairments, I assumed it would be no problem trying to find books. Apparently I was mistaken. I went to Barnes and Noble to find my books. After searching for a long time in the Children's section, I came across a little section labeled, "Books on Special Needs." There I found some children's books on different disabilities, but the majority were informational books for parents. It saddened me that these books are not integrated with the other children's books. To make sure, I went up to the help desk to see if maybe I wasn't looking in the right place. One of the employees was helping me and also found no luck. One of the managers passed by and so the person helping me asked him if he could help me. When I explained my situation, he seemed really appalled that I would ever fathom the idea that children's books on disabilities would ever be integrated in the Mainstream children's section. I guess that was my culture shock of how uninformed and how ignorant people are still going to be towards multicultural literature.

Specifically towards the assignment, reviewing the books gave me an opportunity to retain information on how to assess a book from TE348 and then to think more critically as to what message is the book trying to make: Is the book accurately portraying the topic it is depicting? Are there large generalizations? Are they many stereotypes? Could you see yourself using this book in your future classroom? Those were some of the many questions I answered while reviewing each book. I was satisfied with the books I chose to review. While I did not stick to one main disability (I was unable to do this due to lack of resources) I did find general themes towards disabilities and that while children with disabilities have differences, all people are different and everyone should respect that.

If I were to redo the books I chose for this project, I would try and find books representing different races and gender with disabilities. I did not even realize I had picked predominately depicting white males with disabilities until I got home. Helping children understand that people with disabilities can be from any culture, race, sex will help prevent further stereotyping. All of the books I chose depicted the specific disability in a positive light that will help children feel like having a disability should not change your perspective of him or her.

I did enjoy this project. It helped me understand how much harder I will have to work to find good multicultural literature and also ways of assessing the accuracy of the disability or topic being presented. I want to develop a multicultural community of learners and in order to do that, I need to continue to educate myself to find the best books out there.

Scholarly Resource: Representations of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder in Children's Literature

Leon, Roth. "Representations of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder in Children's Literature." Journal of Attention Disorders. 1997, October. Vol. 2, No. 3. 177-196

Of the books I reviewed for disabilities, one discussed ADHD and how it affects a person's ability to concentrate which causes abnormal behavior. When reading through this book, a question that I had was whether girls or children of other races or ethnicity were ever represented in books on ADHD. While I only reviewed one book, I went online and researched other books focusing on ADHD. I was surprised to find that many of the books only depict white boys. I came across this article and thought it would interesting to read through and reflect on.

In regards to gender, the article discusses how girls with ADHD are underrepresented in children's literature and this can make it seem like only boys can have ADHD. As stated in the article, "No books could be located in the present search that had female protagonists with ADHD. The observed pattern from the children's literature strongly suggests a mandate to create more children's books featuring girls with the disorder"(179). It was also found in the article that ADHD has been "largely limited to Caucasian males, and that "there is a dire need to extend the body of knowledge on this disorder to minority samples"(179). When looking through "Why Can't Jimmy Sit Still," the main character Jimmy, who has the symptoms of ADHD, is white and male. This book was written in 2004 so it is a fairly recent book. It is essential to help students see how multiculturalism is incorporated in mental and physical impairments and that every race and sex can be disabled.

Another major point to make is how ADHD as a disorder is presented in the books analyzed. It was stated in the article that, "In general, the etiological information offered by the children's books appears to be sparse and inconsistent, and may present contradictory, confusing and/ or inadequate information about the causes of ADHD to young readers" (180). While the book I reviewed did express how ADHD is neurological, it described ADHD as, "Some kids have trouble with a 'switch' that's inside, And to control their behavior they just need a guide." While there is some explanation, it doesn't describe it in a way that is thorough and useful for students to get a good grasp on ADHD. While obviously it would be beneficial to read multiple books to create a wider range of accuracy, the article discussed how many of the books contradict themselves. Therefore, it is essential to look through the book to make sure it is a good book.

While this article is only specifying how ADHD is depicted in children's literature, this article can in many ways apply to the overall representation of people with special needs in children's literature that I observed. While it is important to discuss mental and physical impairments, it is also crucial to have male and females and as well as other races represented with the disabilities. People with disabilities come in all shapes, sizes, races, genders, and ethnicity. Therefore they should be appropriately represented in special education children's books. It seems like no matter what, it still is difficult to present different races and sexes in special needs books. While I felt the books I reviewed were all pretty good, the under representation of diversity made it not as realistic as it could have been.

Overall, I found this article to be enlightening and helped open my eyes to the segregation that special needs men and women still are facing towards their representation in children's literature.

Book Review #5: Don't Call Me Special

Thomas, Pat. “Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability.” China: Barron’s. 2000.

This book discusses the differences children with disabilities face, but how they are still capable of accomplishing the same tasks as others. This book expresses how labeling students with mental or physical impairments as being “special” is outdated and not right. It discusses ways in which people with impairments adapt their lives to have long fulfilling lives just like you and me.

I personally felt this was an excellent book. It was simple in its explanations, but informative enough to where young readers are able to understand knowing that calling a person with a mental or physical impairment ‘special’ is creating a barrier that makes them seem so much more different than 'normal' people. The book ends with a positive message that reads, “We all need to work and play together. And with a little extra help, children with disabilities can learn and grow and do the things they want to – just like everybody else” (27).

Another great thing about this book is that it provides some ways to use this book (found at the end of the book). It portrays different scenarios that can make the book more helpful for students. There is a glossary also found at the end of the book as well as further resources to use to inform students about disabilities.

I would definitely use this book in my classroom because it helps students understand how everyone is different and that does not mean that they should be treated differently by being labeled ‘special.’ Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses and this book emphasizes this point very well. I feel this book would be beneficial to read to the students to help them see this point… that everyone is valuable and important.

Book Review #4: We'll Paint the Octopus Red

Stuve-Bodeen, Stephanie. Illustrator: Pam DeVito. “We’ll Paint the Octopus Red.” Maryland: Woodbine House. 1998.

This book is an introductory book on Down syndrome. Emma’s new baby brother Isaac was born. When she first found out her mother was going to have a new baby, she was hesitant on the matter. She began asking questions about things she could do with her new baby brother or sister and the more things she thought of to do, the more she liked the idea of having a new sibling. After the baby was born, Emma’s father informs her that Isaac has Down syndrome. She does not know with this means and her father explains that it may take Isaac a little longer to learn things etc. Emma becomes discouraged and believes she will never be able to do all of the crazy things with her brother now. Her father ensures her that she will be able to; Isaac will just need a little extra help on the way.

I really enjoyed this book. My cousin Johnny has Down syndrome and when I first was told he had it, I did not understand what that meant. I feel reading this book may have helped me understand a little bit about the differences someone with Down syndrome has in comparison to me. While it does not go into great detail about Down syndrome, the book does provide how it may be a little different than had Isaac not been born with it. This book is centered towards children ages 3-6 which I feel is very appropriate for this book. When looking at it is that regards, the information is not overwhelming for the child.

Another great thing about this book is that at the end of the book there is a questionnaire which discusses some of the major characteristics of Down syndrome to provide further education on the disorder. The questions are basic questions that children want to know and the answers are formulated in a way which the children will understand. I believe I would use this book in my classroom to present the idea that a child with Special Needs can do the same things as us, it may just take a longer or with some assistance to get it done. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and feel it portrays special needs in a positive way.

Book Review #3: Why Can't Jimmy Sit Still

Tunis, Sandra L. Illustrator, Maeve Kelly. “Why Can’t Jimmy Sit Still?” New Jersey: New Horizon Press, 2004.

This book talks about a very hyperactive boy named Jimmy. Throughout the book the reader sees many of the symptoms of ADHD and how this disorder affects his behavior, ability to do homework, and just sit still. The book is narrated through the eyes of Jimmy’s best friend Michael Lee. The main objective of this book is to help children understand ADHD and how it affects their siblings, peers, parents etc. The author hopes that this book will create a better awareness for ADHD and how it is caused through the brain. I have worked with numerous students with different levels of ADHD and I feel this book does a good job presenting ADHD in a way where children see that it is not that the boy/ girl is bad, but that their brain is wired a little differently then ours.

While I do like the book and feel the context is necessary to discuss with students, I was not a big fan of the illustrations. I felt the complexity of the pages took away from what is being stated in the text. It could be that the illustrator meant to do this. Nonetheless, it caused a distraction for me. The book discusses possible solutions to helping people with ADHD. I personally know that having the child eat a well balanced meal can help the performance of them in the classroom. I wish the book had talked about some ways the doctors and parents can help. Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed was the information at the back of the book with “Tips for Kids with ADHD” and “Tips for Parents.” I feel this is a great to help children with ADHD and parents work together to find healthy solutions.

I feel I would incorporate this in my classroom because ADHD is a commonly seen disorder and it is important for students to understand what it is and how it can affect a person.

Book Review #2: Since We're Friends

Shally, Celeste and Harrington, David. “Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book.” Hong Kong: Awaken Specialty Press. 2007

In this book, there are two boys who are friends. The narrator’s best friend is named Matt. He has autism. Throughout the book, the reader is taken through activities the friends partake in and how Matt sometimes has difficulty understanding and how the friend helps him get through the problem “Since We’re Friends.” The first thing that caught my eye with this book was the use of color depicted on each page. For a child, pictures help him/ her visualize what is being said in the text. The authors did a good job connecting the text and pictures together to help readers see what is going on in the story. Another great aspect of the book is there is a foreword written by Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Autism Speaks. It is informative and helps introduce Autism and what Singer hopes the readers will get out of the book.

Overall, I did like the book. A major stereotype of Autism is that it is the “blonde hair blue eyed boy” syndrome since there have been many cases with blond hair, blue eyed boys having been diagnosed with Autism. This is the first time I have seen a black boy having autism in a children’s book which I feel is helping break stereotypes. The book portrays Matt’s need for routine and how breaking the routine may cause confusion and an episode. The major theme of the book is that one person can make a difference. While I like that the friend (narrator) can help Matt through his episodes, the authors make this boy a savior which is not always the case. While it is important to show friends understanding and respecting their friends’ differences, the friend was always able to solve the problem. Realistically, that is not always the case. It may have been more realistic to have parents in the book to assist when Matt’s episode were not so easily solvable.

As I mentioned earlier, I did like the book. I don’t think I would use this book in my classroom mainly because I myself didn’t really like the message the book created; you can solve all of your friend’s problems. I believe the book doesn’t depict Autism as well as it could. I like the theme, but not how it laid out.