Most likely, you have heard of some, if not all, of these series I have in my classroom library: The Boxcar Children, Magic Tree House, Ramona, Junie B. Jones, Henry and Mudge, Nancy Drew, Judy Moody, Pinky and Rex, Cam Jansen, Horrible Harry, Ready Freddy, Calendar Mysteries, Black Lagoon, Fancy Nancy, or Pinkalicious. Besides them being popular children's book series, they have another thing in common. All these books have typically developing, white main characters.
My students need to see themselves represented in the literature that they read. Representation matters. I have picked out 50 books to add to my classroom library that are not only culturally diverse, but also have main characters who have special needs. Children need to open up a book, and see a character who looks like them, or has exceptional needs like them. This will not only increase their love of reading, but also help them make personal connections to the books. It will also help the children have a better understanding of people who may look or act different from them. This classroom library will be inclusive of all students.
About my class
Most likely, you have heard of some, if not all, of these series I have in my classroom library: The Boxcar Children, Magic Tree House, Ramona, Junie B. Jones, Henry and Mudge, Nancy Drew, Judy Moody, Pinky and Rex, Cam Jansen, Horrible Harry, Ready Freddy, Calendar Mysteries, Black Lagoon, Fancy Nancy, or Pinkalicious. Besides them being popular children's book series, they have another thing in common. All these books have typically developing, white main characters.
My students need to see themselves represented in the literature that they read. Representation matters. I have picked out 50 books to add to my classroom library that are not only culturally diverse, but also have main characters who have special needs. Children need to open up a book, and see a character who looks like them, or has exceptional needs like them. This will not only increase their love of reading, but also help them make personal connections to the books. It will also help the children have a better understanding of people who may look or act different from them. This classroom library will be inclusive of all students.
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