Final Post

My experience with diverse literature was very pleasant this semester. Over the semester I believe my thinking about diverse literature and diverse cultures has changed. The most noticeable way I have noticed change is in the use of terms when discussing diverse literature. I now realize that there are some terms which may not mean to be offensive but may still offend a person from a certain culture. The terms a writer decides to use in their book often tells a lot about how they identify with that culture.
The most interesting thing discussed this semester in my opinion, was the insider outsider debate. I think that is still one issue that I have not completely resolved. Whether or not a person from outside a culture can write a good book about that culture is a tough issue. Although that person doesn't have the full experience of being in that culture, I think we limit artistic ability when we only allow people to write about their own experiences. Overall, after this semester I believe I have a better understanding of diverse literature and how it works within our culture. I really enjoyed the course and I recommend it to everyone.

Critical Resource Review

Martin, Michelle "Moses Review"2006 http://www.hbook.com/resources/awards/ala/caldecott.asp#rev3

In her review of the book "Moses", Michelle Martin describes the way illustrator Kadir Nelson uses "larger-than-life illustrations to portray the spiritual life of the African American visionary". Martin definitely understands how the literary elements combine to emphasize the spirituality on Tubman. Martin also comments on Weatherford's and Nelson's ability to bring the story closer to the reader. Martin accurately states how "Several key scenes bring Harriet in close visual proximity to the reader to emphasize both her emotional turmoil and her strength."

I believe Martin gives an accurate critical review of this book. She emphasizes the key elements of the book that Weatherford and Nelson were trying to present. Spirituality and perseverance were two key themes in the book that Martin noticed. Martin also accurately comments on how both the illustrations and the text work well together to accent these two themes. Martin's review is very accurate and she be read as a responsible interpretation of the book.

Reflection

I believe that the texts as a set function very well as a piece of diversity. Each piece does a great job of celebrating key elements of the African American culture without becoming too stereotypical or going over the top. Often children's books that claim to be diverse pieces of literature, especially Native American pieces of literature, will overload the text with customs and traditions as if the character's whole life is dedicated to celebrating their culture. These texts do a great job of intertwining aspects of the African American culture into the character's everyday life.

Not only were the pieces well written but the illustrations were very well done. The texts seems to have different illustration techniques but all are effective. Each style is very unique and serves as a great companion to the text. The illustrators did a great job of using colors, shading, and other aspects of illustrating to emphasis the messages of the books. For many readers, especially younger ones, the pictures are far more important than the text so the attention dedicated to the illustrations was greatly needed. Overall, I enjoyed all of these books and I greatly recommend them to any student or any teacher. Not only are these great examples of diverse literature but they are great examples of children's literature.

Book Review #4: "Moses"

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. New York: Hyperion Books for Children

Moses tells the amazing story of Harriet Tubman, the founder and orchestrator of the Underground Railroad, a pathway that led slaves to freedom. Throughout the book, Tubman converses with God and asks him for guidance and strength to finish her journey. She continuously faces obstacles in her travels but eventually makes it to Philadelphia and returns to the South frequently to help free other slaves.

The book does a great job of fleshing out a story that so many children are familiar with. This story is such an important one in the Black community and Weatherford seems to handle it in just that manner. Weatherford explores Tubman's spiritual side in a way in that children can understand and relate to. The issue of slavery is not a major focus but is presented in a manner that children can understand the effects of it. The different fonts in the book signify the differences in narrative, Tubman's voice, and God's voice. This makes the story easier to follow for the reader and also gives readers the sense of unsureness of Tubman and the power of God.

The illustrations are very powerful and engaging. The scenes where Tubman runs through the woods show the fear that this journey was filled with. Nelson does a great job of showing pain, triumph, and strength through Tubman's facial expressions. The colors and expressions throughout the book match well with the story and its message. This is one of my favorite picture books for both its content and illustrations.

Book Review #3: The Jones Family Express

Steptoe, Javaka. The Jones Family Express. New York :Lee & Low Books

The Jones Family Express tells the story of a young boy named Steven and his Aunt Carolyn, who is always traveling. Steven wants to find a specials gift for Aunt Carolyn before she arrives home for the annual block party. Steven eventually finds an old toy train, paints it, and glues pictures of his family on it. Aunt Carolyn gives Steven the present of being able to go on a trip with her.

The illustrations in the book immediately caught my attention. The background of each page is composed of the different postcards that Aunt Carolyn has sent Steven throughout the years. The foreground is composed of a collage of characters in the story created from what appears to be pieces of construction paper and pictures that appear to be cut out of magazines. The illustrations make the characters stand out and create a stage for the characters.

Steptoe explores themes that are familiar in children's books, especially African American children's books. The issues of family and sharing are explored, encouraged, and celebrated in the book. These issues are centered around a familiar custom in the Black community, the block party. The book reinforces positive images in the Black community including a loving grandmother and a playful and loving uncle. Overall, I think the book takes familiar themes and messages and tells them in an interesting way.

Book Review #2: Sweet Potato Pie

Lindsey, Kathleen D. illustrated by: Charlotte Riley-Webb Sweet Potato Pie.
New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.

Sweet Potato Pie tells the story of a family and how this familiar dessert saved their farm. When Papa finds out that he has to come up with $75 or the bank will take his farm, Mama comes up with a plan. She decides the family can raise the money by selling sweet potato pies at the Harvest Celebration. Her five children give her help and her plan is a success as they raise enough money to save the farm.

The book is a great representation of the Black Family's ability to make something out of nothing. Throughout the book, the family faces obstacles preventing them from making and selling the pies including rowdy pigs, rabid roosters, and a loud band. Sweet potato pie is a historic staple in the Black community and cuisine and serves as a symbol of Black hope, family, and tenacity.

The pictures are very vivid and colorful. Riley-Webb does a great job of emphasizing colors and shades in the foreground to show emotion and excitement. She also does a great job of blending colors and images together to show confusion and chaos. Overall, I think the book works as a piece of art that reflects the Black struggle and perseverance in the Black community.

Book Review #1 "This Little Light of Mine"

Lewis, E.B. This Little Light of Mine. New York : Simon and Schuster Books, 2005


This Little Light of Mine is an illustrative companion to the popular Negro spiritual. The book features a young Black male traveling through what appears to be a small southern town and letting his light shine throughout his journey. He shines his light on others by helping an elderly woman with her groceries, hugging his grandmother, and by introducing a lonely boy to his friends.

The book is a great illustrative representation of what it means to let your light shine. As popular and meaningful as the song is to the Black community, E.B. Lewis does a great job of figuratively and literally painting pictures to reflect the impact and meaning of the songs' lyrics. Another feature of the book I really enjoyed was the use of African American Vernacular English or AAVE. It is nice but rare to see AAVE used in books even though it accurately reflects how most children pronounce words. Words such as "E'vrywhere" (Everywhere) and "Gonna" (going to) are examples of AAVE that are present in the book. Overall, I believe this is a picture book that is a great compliment to a historical Hymn.