My students come from all different backgrounds, all shapes and sizes. They experience hardships that some adults have yet to experience. They speak many different languages; English is not always their first language. They are a diverse group.
My students are eager learners who cannot get enough reading in their day.
They love coming to school, as it is a safe environment to learn and play. My students are so eager to come to the library each week, that every morning I get a question on the playground: "Is it our day for library?" or "I can't wait for Friday! Know why? It's LIBRARY day!" These are the kids you are helping!
My Project
We are not all the same. Everyone needs to be able to identify with the characters they read in books. Do ALL kids seem THEMSELVES in the books we have in the library? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Our library collection needs more diversity in the characters my students encounter.
Publishers are beginning to diversify their characters, and it is time that our school library offers those options!
According to the American Library Association, "Diverse, culturally authentic materials in library collections allow all children to meet people like themselves and develop an appreciation for the beauty of their culture and the cultures of others." My students need to see themselves in their characters' shoes. My students should be able to look at covers of books and say, "Hey, that's me!" You can make that happen!
I am requesting a collection of books that have a variety of diverse characters. In the graphic novel series Secret Coders, girls can see themselves as computer scientists. The book Ugly is a great companion book to Wonder that shows students with disabilities in a different light. The books Quickest Kid in Clarksville and Ghost have African American main characters that my students will be able to identify with. Most importantly, the book We Came to America shows how we are all different but how we are all Americans. All of my students will be able to identify with someone in that well-made picture book!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Radway and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.