Emily Styles's idea of books as mirrors and windows is a powerful metaphor when building a classroom library. Often, students choose books to read as a mirror, where they can see themselves, their families, and communities as respected and valued. Yet, students should also have books available to them to use as a window to view a wider world and develop understandings of perspectives and experiences outside of their own. For some students, this may be the first time they are exposed to differences in race, religion, culture, and identity.
This Diversity Library collection will be used as part of our 40 Book Challenge. Throughout the year students work toward reading 40 books across a variety of genres. This next year, students will be challenged to read at least 5 books from this collection as a new part of the challenge. Through book club meetings, partner conversations, whole-class book talks, and book recommendations, students will have an opportunity to reflect on their new understanding and inspire each other to think deeply about themselves, and how they respond to the world around them.
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Emily Styles's idea of books as mirrors and windows is a powerful metaphor when building a classroom library. Often, students choose books to read as a mirror, where they can see themselves, their families, and communities as respected and valued. Yet, students should also have books available to them to use as a window to view a wider world and develop understandings of perspectives and experiences outside of their own. For some students, this may be the first time they are exposed to differences in race, religion, culture, and identity.
This Diversity Library collection will be used as part of our 40 Book Challenge. Throughout the year students work toward reading 40 books across a variety of genres. This next year, students will be challenged to read at least 5 books from this collection as a new part of the challenge. Through book club meetings, partner conversations, whole-class book talks, and book recommendations, students will have an opportunity to reflect on their new understanding and inspire each other to think deeply about themselves, and how they respond to the world around them.
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