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.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Boy Meets Boy
I was very curious when I saw we had this book on our required texts list for class. I have been exposed to much literature involving LGBT issues. Also bringing this issue in the classroom is a mystery to me. I was not sure how to represent the topic to my future students or how comfortable I would be discussing it with them. Because of these future obstacles I was extremely glad we not only read this book, but we brought the topic alive in our classroom.
I have in between feelings about the book. I thought it was great how the author wrote it so LGBT society was very common and familiar in the society. These people were not an outcast at all. I only had one issue with the book. I did not think it was realistic at all. The world these students were living was not something you would find in society today. I first I thought it was giving students a false image of what it would be like to be someone living one of those lifestyles. After our class discussion a different aspect was thrown my way. A member in my group stated maybe when some who is LGBT this world would be something they would hope for. Even though they know it is not that way know, maybe this will give them hope that someday more and more people will be accepting of them. At the very least it is just a good book for these people to relate to. Many times students in this age group are still discovering themselves and if they do have some of the feelings or tendencies brought up in the book, the student will not feel so alone and feel as though they are a place in society just like everyone else.
I have in between feelings about the book. I thought it was great how the author wrote it so LGBT society was very common and familiar in the society. These people were not an outcast at all. I only had one issue with the book. I did not think it was realistic at all. The world these students were living was not something you would find in society today. I first I thought it was giving students a false image of what it would be like to be someone living one of those lifestyles. After our class discussion a different aspect was thrown my way. A member in my group stated maybe when some who is LGBT this world would be something they would hope for. Even though they know it is not that way know, maybe this will give them hope that someday more and more people will be accepting of them. At the very least it is just a good book for these people to relate to. Many times students in this age group are still discovering themselves and if they do have some of the feelings or tendencies brought up in the book, the student will not feel so alone and feel as though they are a place in society just like everyone else.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Confessions of A Closet Catholic
I found this book to be very interesting. I have never read a book for young readers about religion and trying to find their identity in connection with it. I am Catholic and reading this book was quite and experience. At first I was bothered by the fake confessional in the closet and the first communion process being portrayed as a game or scene to act out. Later after reading the book my opinion changed. I tried to put myself in her shoes. I saw it from an outsider's point of view. She was not trying to offend people who were Catholic. Instead it was put of her search to find her true identity and what religion meant to her. Also I realized that I probably do the same thing when I have a lack of knowledge on a certain ethnic group or religion. For example I might believe certain stereotypes about Native Americans or Asian Americans, but not because I do not like them as a race, but I just have lack of knowledge. In Confessions Of A Closet Catholic, as the book went on when she gained knowledge, her views were different and became more aware of her stereotypes. I think this is the best way to attack these situations. Once you realize your perpections are negative,the want to gain knowledge and be educated more on a topic will help reduce negativity. Overall I have learned not to judge books until you are fully finished reading and can take all the information and form observations from that.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Mali Exhibit
I am really glad we went to the MSU Museum. I went there my freshmen year with one of my classes, but I did not pay much attention to the exhibits. I just did the activity give by my professor and that was it. When we all went to see the Latino/Latina exhibit it was a great experience. Even though that exhibit was nice, my favorite was the exhibit done by the children of Mali. I never appreciated my life and the many privileges I have so much until I saw these photos.
As I went around the exhibit I just looked at the pictures at first and did not notice the captions. The pictures had their homes, schools, and family members of the children. The conditions were really poor and did not seem like a healthy environment at all. I began to feel sad and wish that the children could have better places to live. About half way through the exhibit I started to read the captions. I noticed the pictures I was viewing were not filled with sorrow, but filled with joy. These students were happy to live in these communities and it was very important to them. Then I found out what the assignment given to the children was truly about. The students in Mali were given cameras and were to take pictures of things in the community that meant the most to them. For example there was a picture of a mother who just gave birth to her child and she was holding the child with blood all over the place. I would have viewed this picture as the family was unable to afford a doctor to deliver the baby and it was unsanitary to have the baby out in the dirty house and still bloody. In the student's eyes they saw a new life was brought into the world and their family was growing with love. Also the mother was wiping the baby down with alcohol to clean the child of all bacteria. Another picture was of a run down house with a girl standing against the wall and someones face on the side of the photo. I would have viewed this as a student taking a picture of the terrible conditions these people have to live in and a girl looking sad and lonely. Instead the student asked their friend to strike a pose for the picture and also the student was happy they were able to catch their other friend off to the side with a big smile!
It is amazing how people perceive things. I decided to go back around the exhibit one more time and get the full effect. I really got a lot of excitement from this exhibit. It definitely shows me the having less is not a horrible thing. I could never imagine living in the conditions the people of Mali deal with on an everyday basis. For them it is a way of life and a big part of their culture. It is who they are and they seem very proud of it. It has surely taught me to be proud of who I am, of who my family is and what my family and I have. My challenges in life that I think are problems are just mere obstacles. There are people out there who live in a world a lot worse then me and as happy as ever! I have learned numerous things from this exhibit. Thanks for the experience Deb!
As I went around the exhibit I just looked at the pictures at first and did not notice the captions. The pictures had their homes, schools, and family members of the children. The conditions were really poor and did not seem like a healthy environment at all. I began to feel sad and wish that the children could have better places to live. About half way through the exhibit I started to read the captions. I noticed the pictures I was viewing were not filled with sorrow, but filled with joy. These students were happy to live in these communities and it was very important to them. Then I found out what the assignment given to the children was truly about. The students in Mali were given cameras and were to take pictures of things in the community that meant the most to them. For example there was a picture of a mother who just gave birth to her child and she was holding the child with blood all over the place. I would have viewed this picture as the family was unable to afford a doctor to deliver the baby and it was unsanitary to have the baby out in the dirty house and still bloody. In the student's eyes they saw a new life was brought into the world and their family was growing with love. Also the mother was wiping the baby down with alcohol to clean the child of all bacteria. Another picture was of a run down house with a girl standing against the wall and someones face on the side of the photo. I would have viewed this as a student taking a picture of the terrible conditions these people have to live in and a girl looking sad and lonely. Instead the student asked their friend to strike a pose for the picture and also the student was happy they were able to catch their other friend off to the side with a big smile!
It is amazing how people perceive things. I decided to go back around the exhibit one more time and get the full effect. I really got a lot of excitement from this exhibit. It definitely shows me the having less is not a horrible thing. I could never imagine living in the conditions the people of Mali deal with on an everyday basis. For them it is a way of life and a big part of their culture. It is who they are and they seem very proud of it. It has surely taught me to be proud of who I am, of who my family is and what my family and I have. My challenges in life that I think are problems are just mere obstacles. There are people out there who live in a world a lot worse then me and as happy as ever! I have learned numerous things from this exhibit. Thanks for the experience Deb!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Reading Different Dialects From Various Points of Views
Last class towards the end we got in groups and read a couple books with dialects from several ethnic background. In my group one in particular stood out. We read a book from the times of cotton plantations and it was written in African American dialect. One of the members in my group was reading at loud, while the other two of us read silently in our heads. She stumbled upon the words, but successfully got through the book. After she was done we discussed what was difficult about reading the passage. I expressed that I was use to seeing this dialect. Since I am African American I have grown up with books similar to this one telling about my history and how our culture was back in those times. Also I shared with them how just because I am African American does not mean I nor my family talk like that now. If I was to read the book aloud now, I would still struggle a bit because that is not how I talk in my daily conversation, but I would definitely be able to relate more to what the words in the book mean. On the other hand my two classmates who are Caucasian said it was totally unfamiliar to them and at some parts they concentrated more on the words instead of the meaning of the book. As a group we really found this two be interesting. It is always create to see so many perspectives on the same topic. I truly feel this is how we learn more about diversity. It is knowledge that is gained more through experience then anything else that helps built a person diverse background.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Should we all be considered the same or different?
Today the discussion was very interesting. The discussion about people with disabilities brought up several questions. One question that really stuck with me was, should everyone be considered equally the same or should people with disabilities embrace who they are?
I honestly think everyone should have the right to be who they are. Why should everyone try to fit under the same category in society? Yes we should all be treated the same equally as far as rights and other choices as a citizen, but not out personal make up and identity. I personally take pride in being a minority and an African American woman. My culture has not always had the easy life in the past and still in some situations present day, but it is who I am and I would not change it for the world. This is how I feel people should view those with disabilities. Yes their physical make-up might be different or the way their brain works, but it is all apart of their own culture. I have a uncle who had a disability. He is 47 years old and his mental state is the same as a 6 year old. He knows he has a disability and is proud of it. He does not choose to let that bring him down while living his life.
Overall I feel as though the differences of people is what makes our world so beautiful. I know it might be easy for me to say all these things because I do not have a disability and that may be true. I just see how happy my uncle is and he never complains. He is very smart and he focuses on the positive aspects of his life and having a disability is one of them. Yes he has his bad days, but so does everyone else. I believe it is only fair for society to accept people with disabilities just as they do for other people from various cultures. We prompt diversity all through society and it is time for people to start letting their guard down to groups of people who come from all kinds of cultures besides those based on the color of skin or religion.
I honestly think everyone should have the right to be who they are. Why should everyone try to fit under the same category in society? Yes we should all be treated the same equally as far as rights and other choices as a citizen, but not out personal make up and identity. I personally take pride in being a minority and an African American woman. My culture has not always had the easy life in the past and still in some situations present day, but it is who I am and I would not change it for the world. This is how I feel people should view those with disabilities. Yes their physical make-up might be different or the way their brain works, but it is all apart of their own culture. I have a uncle who had a disability. He is 47 years old and his mental state is the same as a 6 year old. He knows he has a disability and is proud of it. He does not choose to let that bring him down while living his life.
Overall I feel as though the differences of people is what makes our world so beautiful. I know it might be easy for me to say all these things because I do not have a disability and that may be true. I just see how happy my uncle is and he never complains. He is very smart and he focuses on the positive aspects of his life and having a disability is one of them. Yes he has his bad days, but so does everyone else. I believe it is only fair for society to accept people with disabilities just as they do for other people from various cultures. We prompt diversity all through society and it is time for people to start letting their guard down to groups of people who come from all kinds of cultures besides those based on the color of skin or religion.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Asian/Pacific American Award
1. Is there an official website for the award?
No there is not an official website just for the Asian Pacific American Award, but there is a website for the Asian Pacific American Librarians Assiociation with a list of the Asian Pacific American Awards and the winners.
http://www.apalaweb.org/awards/awards.htm
2. Are there other resources that provide information about the award?
Yes, there are various website with a list of the Asian Pacific American Award winners, but also inform people about other issues going on in the Asian Pacific American community and not just dealing with literature.
3. Why and when was this award created?
The goal is to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.
4. What books, authors, illustrators are eligible?
Works eligible must have had premier publication during the calendar years from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, and must have been published for general commercial release in the U.S.
Award categories are:
a. Adult (fiction and nonfiction)
b. Young Readers fiction and nonfiction – for text
c. Young Readers fiction and nonfiction - for illustrations.
Works must be related to Asian/Pacific Heritage, not necessarily written by or illustrated by an Asian/Pacific American. The individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Works must have been published by a large publishing house, trade or small press/publisher located in the United States or one of its territories. Self-published works and exclusive internet publications are not eligible.
Anthologies or books containing the work of more than one author are not eligible.
Works must be originally written in English.
Works that have previously won other prizes or recognition are eligible.
5. How are the books judged?
6. Who sponsors it?
The Asian Pacific American Librarian Association
7. Who chooses the winner?
The Literacy Award Committee under the Asian Pacific American Librarian Association.
8. How do you get on the committee?
Membership is open to all librarians/information specialists of Asian Pacific descent working in U.S. library/information centers and related institutions/organizations, and to others who support the goals and purpose of APALA (Asian Pacific American Librarian Association).
No there is not an official website just for the Asian Pacific American Award, but there is a website for the Asian Pacific American Librarians Assiociation with a list of the Asian Pacific American Awards and the winners.
http://www.apalaweb.org/awards/awards.htm
2. Are there other resources that provide information about the award?
Yes, there are various website with a list of the Asian Pacific American Award winners, but also inform people about other issues going on in the Asian Pacific American community and not just dealing with literature.
3. Why and when was this award created?
The goal is to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.
4. What books, authors, illustrators are eligible?
Works eligible must have had premier publication during the calendar years from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, and must have been published for general commercial release in the U.S.
Award categories are:
a. Adult (fiction and nonfiction)
b. Young Readers fiction and nonfiction – for text
c. Young Readers fiction and nonfiction - for illustrations.
Works must be related to Asian/Pacific Heritage, not necessarily written by or illustrated by an Asian/Pacific American. The individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Works must have been published by a large publishing house, trade or small press/publisher located in the United States or one of its territories. Self-published works and exclusive internet publications are not eligible.
Anthologies or books containing the work of more than one author are not eligible.
Works must be originally written in English.
Works that have previously won other prizes or recognition are eligible.
5. How are the books judged?
6. Who sponsors it?
The Asian Pacific American Librarian Association
7. Who chooses the winner?
The Literacy Award Committee under the Asian Pacific American Librarian Association.
8. How do you get on the committee?
Membership is open to all librarians/information specialists of Asian Pacific descent working in U.S. library/information centers and related institutions/organizations, and to others who support the goals and purpose of APALA (Asian Pacific American Librarian Association).
Monday, September 29, 2008
Can lack of knowledge affect you decision making? Even opinions?
When we were discussing Habibi in class last week I definitely supported the argument about bashing the Jews. I was totally stuck to that thought until I came to class the next day. My group gave me a different outlook on the issue. Some of them educated me on the issue between Jews and Palestinians. I found it to be very interesting. I had no idea the horrible things the Palestinians and Arabs went through. After receiving this information I changed my opinion about the book. I no longer thought of the book as bashing Jews. I am not sure how I exactly feel about this piece of literature. I know for sure that I would put this in my classroom because I am not as confident with introducing the book to my class, but the book is not as negative as I first thought.
Overall I have found when reading literature I always have to realize there are two sides to a story. Along with that if I am not as educated on the issue I am reading about, it is not fair to make strong judgements without knowing the true story behind the book.
Overall I have found when reading literature I always have to realize there are two sides to a story. Along with that if I am not as educated on the issue I am reading about, it is not fair to make strong judgements without knowing the true story behind the book.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Insider/Outsider Debate?
I feel as though this is a touch issue to talk about, but definitely needs to be dress. In the first article by Patrick Shannon, it seemed like he was making excuses for himself or trying to be the victim in the multiculturalism debate. When he described himself as a ," white, heterosexual, able bodied, and able minded male who is a default Protestant and now makes a middle class income," it seemed irrelevant to understanding multiculturalism. Whether you are a minority or Caucasian American multiculturalism should be apart of your life.
For so many years teachers just focus mainly on European American literature and every other culture's voice that is invisible. This is why multicultural literature has a purpose. White Americans are often able to have some to relate in the history books and other forms of literature in the classroom, while other cultures and people with different lifestyles can not. I agree with Rudine Sims Bishop about people emphasizing on race too much. Yes it is very important to bring out the literature of various racial backgrounds because they are often silenced, but multiculturalism is so much more than race. It also includes people of different religions, sexual orientations, and traditions outside of the normal American lifestyle that is portrayed in the media. A number of students fall into these categories and it is important that they are able to have something to relate in the classrooms. Besides making the student more comfortable with their identity, it also makes the student feel more secure in the classroom and more eager to learn.
I do not think it matters if you are an insider or outsider in the world of multiculturalism. In my mind everyone should be an insider. You should not feel as though being a person of color or from a different cultural background qualifies you to be apart of this world and talk about it. In reality multiculturalism affects everyone because it surrounds the world we live in. The best way to tackle the issue is to be open minded about the subject and ask questions. Also become interested in the way other cultures live their lives and what they stand for. It will help you better understand in general and give you a more positive outlook on life because you will except people for their differences instead of ignoring it because you feel you can not relate. Everyone can relate to multiculturalism in their own way no matter what nationality they are.
In class I hope to get a better understanding on where everyone stands on this issue. It will be interesting to see the various views of people from different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. I also want to know how to introduce this subject (multiculturalism) to my younger students.
For so many years teachers just focus mainly on European American literature and every other culture's voice that is invisible. This is why multicultural literature has a purpose. White Americans are often able to have some to relate in the history books and other forms of literature in the classroom, while other cultures and people with different lifestyles can not. I agree with Rudine Sims Bishop about people emphasizing on race too much. Yes it is very important to bring out the literature of various racial backgrounds because they are often silenced, but multiculturalism is so much more than race. It also includes people of different religions, sexual orientations, and traditions outside of the normal American lifestyle that is portrayed in the media. A number of students fall into these categories and it is important that they are able to have something to relate in the classrooms. Besides making the student more comfortable with their identity, it also makes the student feel more secure in the classroom and more eager to learn.
I do not think it matters if you are an insider or outsider in the world of multiculturalism. In my mind everyone should be an insider. You should not feel as though being a person of color or from a different cultural background qualifies you to be apart of this world and talk about it. In reality multiculturalism affects everyone because it surrounds the world we live in. The best way to tackle the issue is to be open minded about the subject and ask questions. Also become interested in the way other cultures live their lives and what they stand for. It will help you better understand in general and give you a more positive outlook on life because you will except people for their differences instead of ignoring it because you feel you can not relate. Everyone can relate to multiculturalism in their own way no matter what nationality they are.
In class I hope to get a better understanding on where everyone stands on this issue. It will be interesting to see the various views of people from different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. I also want to know how to introduce this subject (multiculturalism) to my younger students.
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