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March 08, 2006
Multicultural Children's Literature
This weekend I will be working. I'm not complaining because I get to attend, for my fourth time, the annual Reading the World Conference held on the campus at the University of San Francisco all day Saturday (and into the evening with a dinner that includes the wonderful authors Nikki Grimes and Gennifer Choldenko) plus Sunday morning. I would not give up one of my precious weekends for just any book conference, but this one always proves to be exciting and inspiring. This year's conference is Reading the World VIII and includes keynote speakers Ed Young, Linda Sue Park, Tony Watkins, Katherine Paterson, Joyce Carol Thomas, Alma Flor Ada, and Matthew Gollub. Plus, there are a variety of other speakers and workshops on topics that include, among many others:
Using Biography to Teach Life Skills
Infusing Multiculutural Literature into the Content Areas
Censored, Banned, Forgotten
Outstanding International Books of 2005
The Arab World, the wider world of Islam and Muslims: Where are the authentic stories, wonderfully told, that my students will love?
History of Books Around the World
Chinese Culture as Portrayed in U.S. Children's Literature
Bilingual Storytime
I know I won't be able to attend all of the above, but I'm excited that the above list is just a sampling of the many choices I'll have! The Reading the World Conference is unique. There are only one or two children's literature conferences west of the Mississippi and no others which focus on the multicultural aspects of the field. The conference is presented by the International and Multiicultural Education department at the USF School of Education. The first Reading the World took place in 1998. The conference, as stated in their materials, strives "to enhance the 'magical encounter' between children and books -- our hope for all children."
I'll be sharing my thoughts and experiences on this site when I return. I'll also probably have a few new book gems to share, as well.
Posted by Lisa J