In just a few weeks I will be welcoming a new cohort of 4th graders into my classroom. My students come from rich, ethnically diverse backgrounds, and from the moment they enter my classroom, I begin instilling in them the importance of appreciating the diversity of their peers and valuing their own cultural backgrounds. Books that feature the experiences of ethnically diverse characters offer students an opportunity to look through both espejos (mirrors) and ventanas (windows) as they develop a greater appreciation for themselves and others.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month in September, I would love to revitalize our classroom library by including more texts centered on the experiences of Latinx protagonists!
The books chosen celebrate the activism of Latinx leaders in the United States, ethnic diversity within the Latinx community, and narratives of fictional Latinx characters. As such, these texts would serve as espejos for my Latinx students by reflecting their cultural histories and lived experiences. They act as ventanas for my non-Latinx students by exposing them to the value and importance of these narratives.
In addition to the range of ethnic diversity of these texts, they also vary in leveling and genre. This allows scholars of all abilities to access these valuable narratives based on their interests. While this project is in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, your support will honor the experiences and contributions of Latinx every time a child dives into one of these texts.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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