The first article that I chose to read was titled “We Are Family: Using Diverse Family Structure Literature With Children” by Deanna Peterschick Gilmore and Kari Bell. The article is a very broad description of how librarians, teachers, and parents can work with literature to help students/children explore topics that are not what society considers traditional literature. There is a short focus on different topics, approximately 2-3 pages per topic. These include: children of divorced parents, children in stepfamilies/blended families, children of adoption, children of international adoption, children of gay and lesbian parents, and children in all kinds of families. By offering a broad topic, the authors help the reader (ideally librarians, teachers, and parents) to better understand the importance of this type of literature. These groups are underrepresented in our literature, and therefore need to be brought to the forefront. As the times continue to change, the need for this type of literature becomes more and more prominent. “According to the United States Census, only 68 percent of children live with the traditional family of father, mother, and child.” (We Are Family 280) It is important for these children in the other 32% of families to feel that they, too, are normal. They “need to see their lives depicted in the books they read.” (We Are Family 280) It offers insight for understanding that these books are not only necessary for children in diverse family structures, but also for students who are not. It shows the need for all children to understand that not all families are the same, that not everyone has the same set of values and identities. Throughout the article, the different diverse family sets are brought up one at a time and the reader is shown a closer view of what these families are like and how life is different/similar for children in these families. The authors also provide a comprehensive list of books for each section listed, as well as reasons these books are valuable.
I decided to farther narrow it down, and found this article solely about adoption. “Books on Adoption for Young Children: Looking at Language” by Nancy Schimmel and Susan Love. This article was much more concise, but specific to adoption. It touched on the many different words that are used in these types of books. There were many times when words showed up that I hear typically used in our society, but I find that they’re offensive or invalid according to these authors. This article is sincerely written by two insiders; Schimmel is a reunited birth mother and librarian, and Love is an adoptee and adoptive mother as well as a teacher. Their experience as part of this group helps them to dictate what is and is not appropriate language for children. I found the article to be extremely helpful in my search for books, as one that I had chosen prior to reading this article came to be not so valid. I will use this as an example of their article’s depiction of negative effects that words may have on adoptees. “…referring to either set of parents as the real parents certainly denigrates the other set.” (Books on Adoption 32) This shows the importance of using words such as birth or first mother instead of “real”, as this may cause confusion for the child. It is important to use words that are positive for all sets of parents in the situation, as well as the child.
Both of these articles helped in my discovery of three very well written books on adoption. This set is a mixture of adoption books ranging from traditional adoption to international adoption—those born in a different country and adopted by families in the US. These would all be helpful for any family with adopted children—as they offer things that allow the adoptees to see that they are not alone in their situation. The article states, “A child’s own adoption story is always the most important one, but books presenting other people’s experiences reaffirm that adoption is normal—as is one’s curiosity about it.” (Books on Adoption 32)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Article Annotated Bibliographies
Gilmore, Deanna Peterschick, and Kari Bell. "We Are Family: Using Diverse Family Structure Literature with Children." Reading Horizons. 46.4 (2006): 279-299.
Gilmore and Bell offer great insight to librarians, teachers, and parents on the importance of representing diverse family structures to children. They offer many different types of families, showing the differences between them as well as the similarities among them. There are lists of recommended titles with reasons behind what makes those titles accurate and acceptable for children. They argue that the importance of having these stories told is for the children’s confidence and feeling of acceptance. By offering reasoning to back up their recommendations, the authors turn an otherwise lengthy article into a worthwhile read for educators.
Schimmel, Nancy, and Susan Love. "Books on Adoption for Young Children: Looking at Language." School Library Journal. 43.7 (1997): 32-33.
Adoption is pushed to the forefront in this article, hammering home many important ideas that authors need to be weary of—as well as readers when selecting literature for their libraries, classrooms, or homes. It gives thoughts and feelings of many adoptees, particularly those that may be incorrect. Schimmel and Love address misconceptions of many children that may arise from certain verbiage used in literature that has been used in the past. They also touch on different types of adoption, showing that even within this realm of literature there are yet more subsets that need to be touched on. This article helped my findings by providing me with a better understanding of what a good book on adoption looks like—using language cues.
Gilmore and Bell offer great insight to librarians, teachers, and parents on the importance of representing diverse family structures to children. They offer many different types of families, showing the differences between them as well as the similarities among them. There are lists of recommended titles with reasons behind what makes those titles accurate and acceptable for children. They argue that the importance of having these stories told is for the children’s confidence and feeling of acceptance. By offering reasoning to back up their recommendations, the authors turn an otherwise lengthy article into a worthwhile read for educators.
Schimmel, Nancy, and Susan Love. "Books on Adoption for Young Children: Looking at Language." School Library Journal. 43.7 (1997): 32-33.
Adoption is pushed to the forefront in this article, hammering home many important ideas that authors need to be weary of—as well as readers when selecting literature for their libraries, classrooms, or homes. It gives thoughts and feelings of many adoptees, particularly those that may be incorrect. Schimmel and Love address misconceptions of many children that may arise from certain verbiage used in literature that has been used in the past. They also touch on different types of adoption, showing that even within this realm of literature there are yet more subsets that need to be touched on. This article helped my findings by providing me with a better understanding of what a good book on adoption looks like—using language cues.
Tell Me Again About The Night I Was Born
Curtis, Jamie Lee. Tell Me Again About The Night I Was Born. Harper Collins, 1996. Print.
The lovely illustrations make this book come alive as the young narrator tells her story through a reoccurring phrase at the beginning of each page. We’re given the story of the narrator’s adoption from the moment she is born through the first night with her adoptive family. There are appealing parts for both children and parents—the pictures appear in a very cartoonish manner—almost as if a child had drawn them. However, they are informative with the text, showing the written story on another level. The book shows all of the struggles that a family goes through, and all of the triumphs that are brought by the experience of adoption. Some readers may find the repetition distracting, but Curtis’ use of the narrator’s birth story is one of progression in literature for adoptees, it is not something that is done often. This gives the adoptee a chance to see the story behind their adoption; they were really born like everyone else. Curtis stumbles when she writes, “Tell me again how you couldn’t grow a baby in your tummy, so another woman…was growing me…” (Tell Me Again 11) She describes surrogacy here, and could cause confusion with adoptees that this is the typical situation. By incorporating this same idea in a different manner, confusion could have been avoided all together. Minor flaws, but all around highly recommended to enrich children’s ideas of adoption and to ensure them that their life is similar to others, too.
The lovely illustrations make this book come alive as the young narrator tells her story through a reoccurring phrase at the beginning of each page. We’re given the story of the narrator’s adoption from the moment she is born through the first night with her adoptive family. There are appealing parts for both children and parents—the pictures appear in a very cartoonish manner—almost as if a child had drawn them. However, they are informative with the text, showing the written story on another level. The book shows all of the struggles that a family goes through, and all of the triumphs that are brought by the experience of adoption. Some readers may find the repetition distracting, but Curtis’ use of the narrator’s birth story is one of progression in literature for adoptees, it is not something that is done often. This gives the adoptee a chance to see the story behind their adoption; they were really born like everyone else. Curtis stumbles when she writes, “Tell me again how you couldn’t grow a baby in your tummy, so another woman…was growing me…” (Tell Me Again 11) She describes surrogacy here, and could cause confusion with adoptees that this is the typical situation. By incorporating this same idea in a different manner, confusion could have been avoided all together. Minor flaws, but all around highly recommended to enrich children’s ideas of adoption and to ensure them that their life is similar to others, too.
Mommy Far, Mommy Near
Peacock, Carol Antionette. Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 2000. Print.
In a story narrated by a young adoptee, we learn about the struggles that come in all aspects of adoption. Elizabeth tells her story of the journey she takes with her mother to explore her adoption from China. We see interactions between Elizabeth and her mother, as well as Elizabeth with her sister, who is also adopted from China. They play games that bring about many questions, showing the reality of struggles that face adoptive families. From the moment she learns that she has two mothers, Elizabeth is filled with emotion and questions. Peacock does a great job to show that while all of the answers may not be there, both mothers love the child—and that they are normal and very much part of a family. This picture book addresses many issues of adoption in such a manner that it is not daunting for a child to read. By addressing the fact that she has two mommies, Elizabeth helps tackle the confusion and misunderstanding that adoptees may feel. Issues seen in this book are monumental, particularly for families of international adoptees—particularly those from China. This book’s sole flaw is that it uses China’s “one child policy” to explain Elizabeth’s adoption. This may be seen by other adoptees as the only reason they have been “given up” or “abandoned” by their birth parents. The use of this theory is given the band-aid of the fact that Elizabeth’s birth mother still loved her very much. This book is recommended to all adoptive families and even birth mothers, as it give insight into how the children feel, helps parents explain adoption and it also shows birth mothers in a very positive light.
In a story narrated by a young adoptee, we learn about the struggles that come in all aspects of adoption. Elizabeth tells her story of the journey she takes with her mother to explore her adoption from China. We see interactions between Elizabeth and her mother, as well as Elizabeth with her sister, who is also adopted from China. They play games that bring about many questions, showing the reality of struggles that face adoptive families. From the moment she learns that she has two mothers, Elizabeth is filled with emotion and questions. Peacock does a great job to show that while all of the answers may not be there, both mothers love the child—and that they are normal and very much part of a family. This picture book addresses many issues of adoption in such a manner that it is not daunting for a child to read. By addressing the fact that she has two mommies, Elizabeth helps tackle the confusion and misunderstanding that adoptees may feel. Issues seen in this book are monumental, particularly for families of international adoptees—particularly those from China. This book’s sole flaw is that it uses China’s “one child policy” to explain Elizabeth’s adoption. This may be seen by other adoptees as the only reason they have been “given up” or “abandoned” by their birth parents. The use of this theory is given the band-aid of the fact that Elizabeth’s birth mother still loved her very much. This book is recommended to all adoptive families and even birth mothers, as it give insight into how the children feel, helps parents explain adoption and it also shows birth mothers in a very positive light.
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
Lewis, Rose A.. I Love You Like Crazy Cakes. Little, Brown Young Readers, 2000. Print.
The use of a love letter style story helps ease the harshness of the ideas Lewis tackles in this picture book. By offering the reader a gentle start into a rather sensitive subject, she side-steps the harshness that could potentially come from this touchy topic. This story is written from the perspective of the adoptive parent, and gives a different view than other books. It shows the emotions that come from the parental side, and helps future adoptive parents to get a sense of what they may go through if they choose this route of adoption, however it may give false hope. A child may just think they appeared in the cribs with the nannies to take care of them—this is a very typical thought in adoptees. While the book is sweet and wonderful, it is more of a fairy tale love letter with bits of factual information than one filled with harsh truths that may confuse or scare young children. The idea that an international adoption takes only a letter to the country can be misleading, yet it gives enough information for a child to understand. If this is to be read to a child, beware of the questions that may still ensue because the idea of heir birth is not addressed. Because of the many aspects of adoption that aren’t explained, this book is recommended for younger children who may not be able to wrap their minds around the tough questions yet.
The use of a love letter style story helps ease the harshness of the ideas Lewis tackles in this picture book. By offering the reader a gentle start into a rather sensitive subject, she side-steps the harshness that could potentially come from this touchy topic. This story is written from the perspective of the adoptive parent, and gives a different view than other books. It shows the emotions that come from the parental side, and helps future adoptive parents to get a sense of what they may go through if they choose this route of adoption, however it may give false hope. A child may just think they appeared in the cribs with the nannies to take care of them—this is a very typical thought in adoptees. While the book is sweet and wonderful, it is more of a fairy tale love letter with bits of factual information than one filled with harsh truths that may confuse or scare young children. The idea that an international adoption takes only a letter to the country can be misleading, yet it gives enough information for a child to understand. If this is to be read to a child, beware of the questions that may still ensue because the idea of heir birth is not addressed. Because of the many aspects of adoption that aren’t explained, this book is recommended for younger children who may not be able to wrap their minds around the tough questions yet.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Everybody Loves Fairies
As I finished reading Boy Meets Boy, I had the TV on and was listening to Everybody Loves Raymond in the background. The episode was one in which the twin boys were performing in their school play as fairies. Toward the beginning of the episode Ray's father has a huge fit about the boys' role in the play, making the statement that they're going to "turn gay". Ray defends it, stating that it is perfectly normal and it is something they had to do for school. Eventually Ray's views shift closer to that of his father and he forces the boys to switch their roles to rocks as part of the scenery. Her name escapes me, but Ray's wife talks to him about how the boys being fairies in the play does not automatically make them gay, and that he should be supportive of them because she thought it would be something fun for them to be involved with. Ray eventually turns around and helps the boys learn to dance--but he doesn't do it because he necessarily thinks it is OK, he does it because the director of the play tells him the boys aren't good enough to be fairies.
This makes me look back and wonder how families react to "gay tendencies" that are seriously stereotypical in our society. How does that make their children feel? Do their childrens' feelings even really matter in the more grand scheme, or is it the reputation that comes from having children who are homosexual... or "act" that way. This was a really interesting episode and it fit very well with reactions some of my friends parents had when they first started the coming out process.
This makes me look back and wonder how families react to "gay tendencies" that are seriously stereotypical in our society. How does that make their children feel? Do their childrens' feelings even really matter in the more grand scheme, or is it the reputation that comes from having children who are homosexual... or "act" that way. This was a really interesting episode and it fit very well with reactions some of my friends parents had when they first started the coming out process.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
This really makes me wonder
Over spring break I was moving myself into our new apartment in southern NC and getting things ready for LIFE! Yeah, life... together, finally! Anyway, I noticed the significant amount of schools in the area and got a little bit excited. Then I noticed the amount of different backgrounds of people in the area... after all, it is a military town and people come from ALL OVER the place! It was amazing to see all of the churches and shopping centers based around people different than "the norm". I had a lot of time to think, so I eventually--instead of studying for my test--got to thinking of how our class would benefit me as a teacher in an area like this. What types of books will I use in my classroom? How will I be able to gauge where my students are and what levels they're ready for? I am so excited that we're going to be talking about things like this in class tomorrow, because I am very interested in adapting what I am learning in this class to my actual classroom.
On a side note, I know that I got at least one right answer on my test, it asked about book awards and which of these awards is awarded to _______ population. :] Thanks to this class!
On a side note, I know that I got at least one right answer on my test, it asked about book awards and which of these awards is awarded to _______ population. :] Thanks to this class!
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