Multicultural
Literature
Definition
There is no single definition of the
term “multicultural literature” as
it is applied to books for children
and young adults. The Cooperation
Children’s Book Center, School of
Education, University of Wisconsin-
Madison defines multicultural
literature as books by and about
people of colour.
Multicultural Literature
Has the richness, depth, beauty,
and a variety of any category of
literature. It is represented in
every genre:
Picture books
Realistic and historical fiction
Traditional literature
Fantasy
Non-fiction
poetry
Why Multicultural
Literature
Rudine Sims Bishop (1997),
noted African American
professor of children’s
literature often talks about
how literature serves as a
mirror and a window for the
reader
…So what happens when children
read multicultural texts?
Children gain better understanding of
people from other countries & ethnic
backgrounds
Increase children’s sensitivity to those
who are different from themselves
Improve their knowledge
Able to share similarities and
differences
Improve their vocabulary development
Fun for children to see same story
BENEFITS OF MULTICULTURAL
LITERATURE FOR ALL CHILDREN
Enjoying good literature
Gaining information and
knowledge
Expanding world views
Appreciating cultural
diversity
Promoting critical inquiry
Enjoying Good Literature
Good literature is a work of
art that invites readers into
an aesthetic or “lived
through” experience.
Is it a good story?
Does it have believable
characters, compelling plot, a
satisfying ending?
Gaining Information and
Knowledge
Children get access to
the target language’s :
history,
identity,
values,
attitudes
and beliefs
Expanding World Views
Children discover viewpoints other
than their own. They learn that
there is never only one story-one
objective or true way to look at
things.
To any given issue or event, we
each bring our cultural
background and experiences and
Appreciating Cultural Diversity
Children can develop an
appreciation of and
respect for cultural
diversity.
Promoting Critical Inquiry
Encouraging children to think
about how people are
depicted in literature and
whose point of view is
represented is one way to
help them begin inquiring
critically into all the books
and textbooks they read.
Children’s valuable
experience
Feel pride in their own identity and
heritage
Learn about each other and the
cultural diversity and complexity
of one’s society
Gain more complete and balanced
views of the historical, cultural and
ethnic diversity
Explore issues of equality and
ROLES OF MULTICULTURAL
LITERATURE
(according to the theorists)
Literature- major carrier of
content, is a powerful medium
for understanding the world.
Young children find it easier to
assimilate new information when
this information is presented
within the structure of a story
(Wells, 1980)
Cultural Authenticity
The literature used should
accurately portray the history,
customs, values, and
language of a particular
cultural group (Sims, 1982)
Improves Self Concept
Hittleman, 1978 says:
Students also benefit from reading
literature that reflects their own
ethnic and cultural background.
An important tool in helping all
students develop a healthy self-
concept – one that is based on
knowledge of and a sense of pride
in family background
Promotes Understanding
Among Culture
The use of multicultural
literature can also extend
students’ knowledge about
parallel cultures by exposing
them to the differences and
similarities between their
culture and that of other
groups(Norton, 1983)
Incorporating multicultural
literature into the
curriculum can expand
students’ awareness and
decrease negative
stereotyping of individuals
from other cultures
(Litchner & Johnson, 1973)
Literature can present students
with clear contrasts in
perspectives and can help
them to understand their own
cultural heritages and those
of others- within and outside
the classroom (Rasinski &
Padak 1990)
Evaluating Multicultural Literature
Literary Considerations:
1. Is the plot engaging?
2. Are the characters well-
developed?
3. Does the setting connect to the
story?
4. Is the theme rich and interesting
to the students?
5. Will the writing be pleasing to
Educational Considerations
1. What educational purpose is the
book intended to serve?
2. What seems to be the purpose of
the book?
3. Who is the implied audience?
4. Does the book have the potential to
promote critical discussions?
5. Does the book illuminate
differences or provide factual
information about people and their