Throughout children and adolescent literature there is a general view of how a family should look like. For example most books have a mother, father, sister, brother, or a number of siblings. Some families do look like this in our society, but many do not. It is very important for students to read books they are able to relate to. Seeing someone who not only looks like them, but also lives the same live style can be very comforting to a student. This is why I have chosen this for my topic. When I was growing up there were not many books that I could relate to in my classroom. I did have the typical family of four (mother, father, brother, and sister), but the people in the books were never my skin color. Looking back on those moments in the classroom, I find it essential to try to include various types of family under diverse literature and place these books in the classroom.
The books I have chosen are, Black is Brown is Tan, by Arnold Adoff, Allison, by Allen Say, Who is in a Family?, by Robert Skutch, All Families Are Different, by Sol Gordon, Ph.D., and Waiting for Normal, by Leslie Connor. These books all address a different family type or a combination of several types such as gay and lesbian, adoption in families, biracial families, and single parent household. The books are for elementary and early middle school students. The article I have chosen by, Kay Chick, specifically focuses on gay and lesbian children’s literature, but it helps support the need for underrepresented family types as a whole to grow in numbers throughout the world of literature.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Fostering an Appreciation for all Kinds of Families: Picture Books with Gay and Lesbian Themes By: Kay Chick
Overall there is a shortage of books with literature and illustrations of different types of families. Chick particularly looked at gay and lesbian children’s books, but also mentioned various types of families within the article. This article certainly needs to be read by all teacher, parents, and people in society as a whole. Many people feel as though children at an early age should be censored from some aspects of society such as adoption or gay and lesbian issues, but Chick disagrees. I feel the same. “Young children’s understanding of family and their role in it is paramount to their sense of belonging” (Chick 2008).” Exposure is very vital for students to have with these topics. It is not about telling the students about sexuality, but giving them a piece of literature they can identify with.
Kay Chick does a tremendous job in getting across to her readers the requirement for diverse families such as gay and lesbian to be more of a demand in literature. This does not mean every children’s book about diverse types of families are positive representations of the topic. She gives various examples of individual pieces of literature that are good and not so good for students to read. For insistence, Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite and Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman, she considered were poor representations of the gay/lesbian lifestyle for children because one displayed physical contact with two men rubbing suntan lotion on each other and the other book talked about conception and artificial insemination. These are not topics young children are developmentally not ready to discuss (Chaxick 2008). On a positive note she discusses books like All Families Are Different by Sol Gordon and Molly’s Family by Nancy Garden. All Families Are Different helps address numerous types of families from race, gender, structure, and so much more. Almost, if not all, students will be able to find a family to relate to. Molly’s Family tells of kindergartener who has two mommies who is confused about her situation and her mom and teacher helps her and her classrooms understand that it is okay there are different types of families. As a whole the article succeeds in informing people the critical necessity of putting these types of story books not only in the classrooms, but at home as well. Diversity is apart of our society and our children’s lives. Doing this will benefit the students so much through their time of self identity and deciding where they belong in society.
Kay Chick does a tremendous job in getting across to her readers the requirement for diverse families such as gay and lesbian to be more of a demand in literature. This does not mean every children’s book about diverse types of families are positive representations of the topic. She gives various examples of individual pieces of literature that are good and not so good for students to read. For insistence, Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite and Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman, she considered were poor representations of the gay/lesbian lifestyle for children because one displayed physical contact with two men rubbing suntan lotion on each other and the other book talked about conception and artificial insemination. These are not topics young children are developmentally not ready to discuss (Chaxick 2008). On a positive note she discusses books like All Families Are Different by Sol Gordon and Molly’s Family by Nancy Garden. All Families Are Different helps address numerous types of families from race, gender, structure, and so much more. Almost, if not all, students will be able to find a family to relate to. Molly’s Family tells of kindergartener who has two mommies who is confused about her situation and her mom and teacher helps her and her classrooms understand that it is okay there are different types of families. As a whole the article succeeds in informing people the critical necessity of putting these types of story books not only in the classrooms, but at home as well. Diversity is apart of our society and our children’s lives. Doing this will benefit the students so much through their time of self identity and deciding where they belong in society.
Black is Brown is Tan
Arnold Adoff is an insider to the world of interracial marriage. This might be why he did such a wonderful job in writing this picture book about a biracial family. Arnold Adoff and author Virginia Hamilton were married in 1960. He is a white man and she is a black woman and they had two children. Since their marriage was during the time of segregation laws, their marriage was a violation of these restrictions (Adoff 2001). The two lived in a town in Ohio that was moving towards becoming culturally and racially diverseed. He has created this story in honor of diversity literature (Adoff 2001). Due to this, the book is very dear to his heart and based off of his family.
The book fantastically shows how biracial families are just like any other family in society. They tell bed time stories, the kids get yelled at by parents, they all play and tickle each other, and give big hugs and kisses to each other. Also the illustrations by Emily Arnold McCully create an image that gives students a life-like experience of what a biracial family looks like. It shoes the students that besides the skin color they are the same. Another key part of the book is explaining how the children are both black and white. Adoff uses the example of chocolate milk and the snow in the wintertime. For example, in the book it says “I am black I am brown…the milk is chocolate brown…I am the color of the milk” (Adoff 2001). Then it says, “I am white…the milk is white, I am not the color of the milk…”(Adoff 2001). These quotes show how a person can be two different races, but not look like it on the outside. With the clear, detailed text descriptions and elaborate pictures, this is definitely a book children of biracial families can relate to and children who are not can understand that type of family. Black is Brown is Tan is a must have in my book collection as a future teacher and parent.
The book fantastically shows how biracial families are just like any other family in society. They tell bed time stories, the kids get yelled at by parents, they all play and tickle each other, and give big hugs and kisses to each other. Also the illustrations by Emily Arnold McCully create an image that gives students a life-like experience of what a biracial family looks like. It shoes the students that besides the skin color they are the same. Another key part of the book is explaining how the children are both black and white. Adoff uses the example of chocolate milk and the snow in the wintertime. For example, in the book it says “I am black I am brown…the milk is chocolate brown…I am the color of the milk” (Adoff 2001). Then it says, “I am white…the milk is white, I am not the color of the milk…”(Adoff 2001). These quotes show how a person can be two different races, but not look like it on the outside. With the clear, detailed text descriptions and elaborate pictures, this is definitely a book children of biracial families can relate to and children who are not can understand that type of family. Black is Brown is Tan is a must have in my book collection as a future teacher and parent.
Who's in a Family?
This picture book is a great representation of countless types of families. There are examples of types of families like gay and lesbian, single parent household including both mom and dad, only child, two people married with no children, and animal families. Also along with the different types of families each one represents a particular cultural group as well. These two concepts really stress to the students that diversity in the home life does not just mean the difference in color of skin or appearance; it is something much more than that. Due to these perspectives throughout the book, I feel as though Who’s in a Family, thrives at teaching students the foundation of diversity in families, but is not too overwhelming for a young student.
The author Robert Skutch portrays a positive icon of each family type through the written text within the book. Each family is doing everyday activities and showing displays of affection. The book overall clarifies to the students that family does not have a certain appearance and it is all about the people who love and care about you. If readers do not get that message through the text it is sure to be understood after viewing the illustrations. Illustrator Laura Nienhanus provides a warm, loving feeling through her drawings. Students will be able to visually comprehend how special family is despite the structure and outer image. This is essential when students are reading this book because most times young children look for ways they see themselves or life styles in a book; which would be best demonstrated in a positive light so they will feel inclusion into society and their peers. Who’s in a Family is another must have in my collection.
The author Robert Skutch portrays a positive icon of each family type through the written text within the book. Each family is doing everyday activities and showing displays of affection. The book overall clarifies to the students that family does not have a certain appearance and it is all about the people who love and care about you. If readers do not get that message through the text it is sure to be understood after viewing the illustrations. Illustrator Laura Nienhanus provides a warm, loving feeling through her drawings. Students will be able to visually comprehend how special family is despite the structure and outer image. This is essential when students are reading this book because most times young children look for ways they see themselves or life styles in a book; which would be best demonstrated in a positive light so they will feel inclusion into society and their peers. Who’s in a Family is another must have in my collection.
All Families Are Different
Sol Gordon, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in children’s education. He is the author of this book which is written for ages seven and up. This text presents family types in a whole new light. He does not just touch on the types of families and life styles, but he also talks to young readers about how to deal with the emotions that go along with it. For example, he tells readers if they are being teased about have a different family stand up to the person and say, “All families are different. I like my family just the way it is. We love each other and I would not change it for anything” (Gordon 2000). Of course a student would not have to exactly memorize that statement, but is shows how love in family is the most important thing and when you have that nothing else matters. This book even touches on societal economic status within families. It may seem too advanced for a young student, but the author only touches the surface; just to give a student the basic understanding. Also he describes on it is alright if your friends live in a big house, have a swimming pool, many toys, and wears beautiful clothing and you have a simple house with a used car. He just simply states how sometimes parents do not have a lot of money to buy everything you want and need, but you will always have the key part of a family which is love.
The illustrations in the book were black and white. Many might say this is not appealing to the young eye, but I disagree in with this book. The images produce by Viven Cohen speaks through the articulate sketching. The pictures are in so much detail that you are able to reveal the people’s emotion such as sad, happy, a lone or sad. Also the emotion of love, unity, enjoyment, and more comes over you as you read certain pages. All Families Are Different is a high quality book to break the silence of diverse families in literature. The book brings up topics you would have never thought to teach a young student and successfully gets the information across in a child like manner. This is most certainly at the top of books in diverse family literature in the classroom.
The illustrations in the book were black and white. Many might say this is not appealing to the young eye, but I disagree in with this book. The images produce by Viven Cohen speaks through the articulate sketching. The pictures are in so much detail that you are able to reveal the people’s emotion such as sad, happy, a lone or sad. Also the emotion of love, unity, enjoyment, and more comes over you as you read certain pages. All Families Are Different is a high quality book to break the silence of diverse families in literature. The book brings up topics you would have never thought to teach a young student and successfully gets the information across in a child like manner. This is most certainly at the top of books in diverse family literature in the classroom.
Waiting for Normal
Addie is a 12 year old who thinks her family is everything, but normal. Often times she finds herself lying to friends and loved ones just to hide the embarrassment. She does not understand why she has to be the one with no father present in the home, step sisters she loves so much and can barely see and a mother is barely a mother at all. She sometimes receives assistance and support from her step-father and grandfather, but is that enough to get her through this dysfunctional atmosphere? Despite all she comes in contact with, she tries to stay positive and look at the brighter side of life. Sadly, but true this is many times the case for several children. They do not have a stable household and never know what else will pop up in their lives good or bad. When there is a lack of structure for children, most of the time they are not able to be as independent as Addie. These children end up suffering from lack of affection, support through school, and so much more. This can cause problems emotionally and psychologically for these children later in life.
Leslie Connor has an excellent way in describing this household situation. The story comes to live as you read. It even makes you feel apart of the story and images of Addie struggling makes you hurt inside for her. After looking into Connor it is clear why this book is so life like! She was a former teacher. She saw students in her classroom all the time dealing with family issues similar to Addie. Connor had to be there outside support and guidance. I recommend this book to young teenagers, especially girls. It is a book that can be very relatable to students living through these same obstacles, but are too embarrassed and think they are alone. They must understand they are not by themselves on this one and can find help and support through family, friends, and good people throughout the community.
Leslie Connor has an excellent way in describing this household situation. The story comes to live as you read. It even makes you feel apart of the story and images of Addie struggling makes you hurt inside for her. After looking into Connor it is clear why this book is so life like! She was a former teacher. She saw students in her classroom all the time dealing with family issues similar to Addie. Connor had to be there outside support and guidance. I recommend this book to young teenagers, especially girls. It is a book that can be very relatable to students living through these same obstacles, but are too embarrassed and think they are alone. They must understand they are not by themselves on this one and can find help and support through family, friends, and good people throughout the community.
Allison
Allison was a little Korean girl who one day realized she did not look like her parents. She was adopted and the only person she could relate to was Mei Mei. Her adopted parents, who were white, explained to her how they went to a country far, far away to bring her back and all she had with her was her doll Mei Mei. She became angry with her adopted parents and did disruptive things like cutting up the dolls and toys her adopted parents gave her. One day she found a stray cat and begged to keep her. She wanted to do the same for the cat as her adopted parents did for her. This book was for ages four to eight. The author, Allen Say, communicated the concept of adoption and the feelings children have very well. From text to illustrations every emotion and action was capture. I feel as though his insider knowledge contributed to this great piece of literature. Say’s father was an orphan raised by a British family in Shanghi and Allen separated from his father in late childhood because of a poor relationship they shared. When this happened he went to America and become apart of a new family (http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/authors/allensay/author.shtml). Going through these experiences influenced him to write this book because he knew other children were going through the same thing.
This book does a wonderful in presenting such a mature topic in a context that a young child would understand. Say’s illustrations truly came to life along side the text. The images were very colorful and realistic. They were surely relatable to students who have been adopted and look nothing like their adopted parents. Throughout the book Allison responded just like a normal adopted child. For example, yelling and telling her adopted parents they were not her parents. Also the identification she had with her doll from her country. Usually when young children are having identity problems and fill alone, they attach to something unrealistic or not living such as an imaginary friend or collecting rocks. Overall this book does an excellent job an introducing a family type that is not addressed in the classroom or literature, but is very real and common in our society. I would recommend this book to any parent or teacher trying to introduce the subject of a student with this family type of to students learning about the various types of families.
This book does a wonderful in presenting such a mature topic in a context that a young child would understand. Say’s illustrations truly came to life along side the text. The images were very colorful and realistic. They were surely relatable to students who have been adopted and look nothing like their adopted parents. Throughout the book Allison responded just like a normal adopted child. For example, yelling and telling her adopted parents they were not her parents. Also the identification she had with her doll from her country. Usually when young children are having identity problems and fill alone, they attach to something unrealistic or not living such as an imaginary friend or collecting rocks. Overall this book does an excellent job an introducing a family type that is not addressed in the classroom or literature, but is very real and common in our society. I would recommend this book to any parent or teacher trying to introduce the subject of a student with this family type of to students learning about the various types of families.
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