Process

Step One: Taking Inventory

What do you currently have in your library? As classroom libraries grow and the years pass by, teachers may forget certain books they have in their library. If you take inventory at the beginning of every year then refer to your list. If not, make one. Pull out every book you think might contain culturally diverse elements (characters of different race, ethnicity, religion/celebrations or events reflecting different cultures/historical or informational backgrounds of a different country or customs/literary elements promoting peace, unity, acceptance between different cultures or countries). How many do you have? You probably already had more than you thought!

Step Two: Inventory Grouping

Separate the books you pulled from your existing library into groups based on similarity. Maybe you have two books that promote the celebration of diverse holidays. Perhaps you have three books with people of color. Keep upcoming lesson topics and objectives in mind when making these decisions.

Step Three: Filling in the Spaces

What kind of culturally diverse books do you lack? Do you have books that represent the backgrounds of every student you currently have in your class? If not, make a list of the ones you need. For example, I may have a Jewish student in my class and noticed that I don't have any books centering around Jewish holidays, culture, or customs. I may have a student from Puerto Rico but do not have any books written or translated in Spanish. Your first priority is to accumulate books specifically to the needs of the students you have now. Your second priority is to accumulate books of many different cultures. The more backgrounds represented in your library, the greater the exposure your students will have to diversity. Create your list according to importance/priority.

Step Four: Choosing your books.

Click on the various resource links provided. Evaluate each book based on the following:
1- Accuracy- Is the information provided in the book accurate?Is the culture being represented correctly? (If you have any reservations ask someone you know from that specific culture, confer with a librarian, another faculty member or your administration.)
2- Expertise- Is the author and/or illustrator a reliable source? Is the author/illustrator a part of the culture being represented?
3- Respect- Is the culture being represented in a respectful manner? Does the book contain any stereotypes? How are the individuals in the book portrayed?
4- Purpose- Does the cultural aspect of the book add to its quality? Is the book advocate a positive message?
5-Quality- Which literary elements are used? Can the author's/illustrator's voice be heard? Do the text and illustrations compliment each other? Is the reader "drawn" to the book?