Picture Books as Powerful Portals

Sharing and Exploring Diverse Experiences in Children’s Picture Books

Julie M. EsanuLower School Librarian

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes SchoolNovember 28, 2016

Essential Questions

● How do picture books serve as portals for children? ● How has diversity changed the landscape of children’s

literature, specifically picture books? ● Why does diversity in picture books matter? ● How can teachers and librarians provide access to diverse

books to help students form personal taxonomies in order to leverage the “transformative power of inclusion”?

Source: http://www.slj.com/2014/05/diversity/culturally-diverse-books-selected-by-sljs-review-editors/

Mirrors & Windows

And Sliding Glass Doors

Source: https://www.psdschools.org/webfm/8559

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Witch-Wardrobe-Widescreen/dp/B000E8M0VA

Powerful Portals

Evolution of Picture Books: 1657-1900s

Evolution of Picture Books: 1920s - 1960s

Introducing Diversity: Inappropriate Cultural Stereotypes

Changing Landscape: Meet Peter

Source: http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/section/about-ezra/

Changing Landscape

Changing Landscape

Changing Landscape

Diversity in Children’s Books

Diversity in Children’s Books

Why Does It Matter?

Why Does It Matter?

Opening Classroom PortalsDiversify mentor texts when teaching reading comprehension strategies:

● Making connections

● Making predictions

● Visualizing

● Inferring

● Drawing conclusions

Opening Classroom Portals

Diversify mentor texts when teaching mindsets for learning

● Flexibility

● Optimism

● Resilience

● Persistence

● Empathy

Opening Classroom PortalsDiversify read-alouds and content curricula

● Families

● Community helpers

● Folk-tales, fairy tales, and fables

● Ancient civilizations

● American history

Portals Provide Opportunities● How is the child in the book different from you? What is the

same? ● How are your days different or the same? ● What would you like to do with that child if you could meet

her? ● What would you show that person if he came to your school?

Source: Karen Leggett Abouraya, http://penciltipswritingworkshop.blogspot.com/

Portal, Obstacle or Detour?

Detours to Discussion● What surprised you in the story? Why?● What are some things in this story that is different than your life or your

family? What are some things that are similar?● How do you think someone who is this race/culture would feel if they read

this story?● Compare it to another story you have read about this race/culture. In

what ways are they similar? And different? Why is that?● What are you now feeling about this culture or group of people?

Source: https://teachitivity.wordpress.com/2016/11/22/having-diverse-books-isnt-enough/

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Witch-Wardrobe-Widescreen/dp/B000E8M0VA

Powerful Portals