Multicultural Text Set Final

Caitlin Boerner
Multicultural Text Set

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The following 10 books are centered around the main theme of disabilities and accepting those
friends, family members and people who are slightly different from us. They all promote diversity
and many of them teach young students about the many disabilities and differences that surround
them. These books are for use in the Pre k 4th grade age range. They are especially useful if a
student with a disability is present in your classroom or school building.
A summary and three key ideas or themes featured in the book along with suggested activities or
lessons that can be used (and altered to fit appropriate developmental standards for certain age
levels) are provided. The corresponding Virginia Foundation Learning Blocks for preschool
aged children are also noted.
Attached to the end of the document are evaluations and quality checklists for each individual
book.
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Dont Call Me Special by Pat Thomas
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 5th

Understanding Acceptance Disability
Summary: This book is about children who have different

disabilities ranging from being physically disabled to having a
learning disability. The book shows how they cope with daily
routines, sports and class activities. It also answers the many questions and concerns that
children may have about others with disabilities. It lets children know exactly what a disability
is and it teaches them the right way to deal with their peers that are different from them.
Recommended Use: An activity that could go along with this book would be to have students
create a disability museum or learn about fair where groups of students could choose a
disability that was featured in the book to research further and present to the class on. This would
promote learning of all the different disabilities that can affect other students and peoples lives.
VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

4e (Letter Knowledge & Early Word Recognition), 5 (Print and Book Awareness), 6a (Written
expression)
VA History and Social Science Foundation Block: 1(History/Similarities and Differences)
VA Personal and Social Development Foundation Block: 4(Interaction with Others)
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All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 2nd

Humorous Insightful Asperger Syndrome
Summary: This book is an ideal and gentle way to introduce the

often complex world of Asperger Syndrome. It portrays the many
characteristics of Asperger syndrome through colorful, entertaining
photographs of cats. It teaches students about Asperger syndrome
through a relatable context.
Recommended Use: As an activity to go along with this fun and introductory book about
Asperger syndrome students could create individual or come up with a list as a whole class of
key characteristics of Asperger Syndrome that they learned from the book. Using that (those)
list(s) students can then think about activities or accommodations that would be helpful to a
student with Asperger Syndrome.

expression)
Russells World: A Story for Kids About Autism by Charles A

Amenta
Appropriate grade level: Pre K 4th

Reality Illustrated Autism
Summary: Russel, the main character of this book, is a boy with

severe autism. It is a non-fictional story about the surprises,
challenges and problems that Russell faces day to day having
autism. It features real life pictures and stories about Russell and his
family helping readers to understand autism.
Recommended Use: This book could be used during a unit or lesson learning about families. It
features a real-life family that happens to have a child that has autism. It would provide a good
example of a unique family member. Children could even engage in an art activity making their
own books about their family.

expression)
VA Science Foundation Block: 6d (Earth Patterns, Cycles and Change)
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My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth

Peete
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 4th

Family Inspirational Disability
Summary: This book is about two twins, Charlie and his sister
Callie. They are different yet alike in many ways. Callie tells the
story of her brother, Charlie, who has autism. She shines a positive
light on her brothers situation by sharing all the many special talents
he has, like the way her handles their dog Harriett. However, she also
understands that he communicates differently but she continues to stay patient with her brother.
She tells the reader about the loving family that surrounds them and the encouragement they give
to Charlie and his growing list of accomplishments.
Recommended Use: A relevant activity that could go along with reading this book would be to
have students draw themselves and write characteristics that describe them and then make
another one for Charlie. They could compare them side by side. The teacher could then talk
about how Charlies disability do give him some unique characteristics while at the same time
show how many shared characteristics there are between them both, much like Charlie and his
sister Callie.

expression)
Just Because by Rebecca Elliott
Appropriate Grade level: Pre K- 2nd

Family Acceptance Disability
Summary: Just Because features a little boy named Toby and his big
sister Clemmie. Toby describes all the fun he has with Clemmie who he
loves so much. He doesnt worry that Clemmie has specially needs and
that she "can't walk, talk, move around much. He admits he doesnt
understand why some people can do things and others cannot to which he simply answers with
Just because. The brother and sister bond that the two characters hold is a tight one. Toby
shows this by expressing his love for all the great things his sister can do like point to things in
books, draw, cuddle him to sleep and eat crayons.
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Recommended Use: An activity that could be used after reading Just because is to have the
students learn about stereotypes with Just because worksheets. Students would write down
statements such as Just Because I am ____, doesnt mean I ____. This would have students
recognize the many stereotypes and assumptions about different types of people as well as notice
the feelings those types of people have about those statements.

expression)
The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia by Diane Burton Robb
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 3rd

School Understanding Dyslexia
Summary: Adam enters kindergarten struggling with learning to

read as he finds his ps look like qs and bs look like ds. His
difficulties lead to frustration and behavioral changes which many
parents and other adults do not understand which worsens the
situation. The book explores the challenges that students with
dyslexia face through Adams story and presents ideas on how to get
help when being diagnosed with this types of learning disability.
Recommended Use: A thoughtful activity that could be used with The Alphabet War is to have
students read a passage in which the words were not all spelt correctly or had letters flipped
around to create for the class what it feels like to suffer from Dyslexia. It is an eye opening
activity that places the students in another persons shoes.

expression)
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Looking out for Sarah by Glenna Lang
Appropriate Age Level: Pre K 3rd

Blindness Reality Inspiring
Summary: This book features the true story of Sarah, who is a blind
musician and teacher, her dog Perry. Perry helps Sarah go shopping, to
the post office and to school. Sarah gives her story to children about the
time that Perry and her walked to Boston from New York showing that
even being blind that she can accomplish many things with the help of
her dog Perry.
Recommended Use: An activity that could intertwine the literature, understanding of blindness,
and geography would be to have student locate Boston and New York on a map of the United
States. The teacher would guide them in calculating the distance that Sarah and her guide dog
traveled. Along with this they could note the places or things that Sarah would have seen on her
journey if she was able to see and write descriptions that Sarah could have read about those
places.

expression)
VA Science Foundation Block: 6d (Earth Patterns, Cycles and Change)
I See Without my Eyes by Mark Brauner Hayward
Appropriate Age Level: Pre K 3rd

Blindness Informational Understanding
Summary: A nine-year-old blind girl named Carolyn explains

and informs readers about how she functions with her
disability. She teaches the reader about braille, senses, and
guide dogs. She does not let her disability stand in her way of
living life as best she can.
Recommended Use: An activity that could be used along with

this book is to have students simulate the feeling of being blind by having students cover their
eyes with a blindfold and complete a course without sight where they have to use their other
senses, like Carolyn, to move around. For older children, you could have students feel braille in
addition to the blindfolded walking course. These activities would give students the chance to
put themselves in another persons shoes and to become aware of the struggles a blind person
may face day to day.
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expression)
VA Science Foundation Block: 1f (Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic), 6d (Earth
Patterns, Cycles and Change)
A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 2nd

Friendship Acceptance Unique
Summary: This book shows that friends can be different from us

in many ways. They can dress different, have different abilities,
have different kinds of families, look or think differently and so
on. Several characters fill the book to display the vast array of
friends on can have. It promotes acceptance and friendship with
those students who may be different from you.
Recommended Use: This book could be combined with an art activity where students create
their own Rainbow of friends. Students would work together to make a large rainbow which
they all paint together. Collage materials of multi-cultural faces, families, clothing etc. as well as
pictures of the students and their friends could be glued to the rainbow creating a class
representation of a Rainbow of friends.

expression)
VA Personal and Social Development Foundation Block: 1c (Self-Concept), 4(Interaction with
Others)
Its Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 1st

Acceptance Colorful Uniqueness
Summary: Todd Parr, known for his colorful vibrant

illustrations, embraces differences and promotes acceptance of
others in a unique way in Its Okay to be Different. The book
acknowledges many differences in people through fun spirited
and colorful illustrations of unique characters doing all sorts of
things.
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Recommended Use: A fun art activity that would give students the chance to share unique facts
about themselves while also learning about multiculturalism and diversity is to have students add
another page to the book featuring themselves. The students would pick a sentence about
themselves that they believe makes them different, like the ones of the characters in Its Okay to
be Different. They would write that sentence and draw a corresponding picture of themselves
filled with vibrant colors as Todd Parr uses in his book to make a class version of Its Okay to be
Different.

expression)
VA Personal and Social Development Foundation Block: 1c (Self-Concept), 4(Interaction with
Others)
Caitlin Boerner
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Quality Childrens Picture Book Evaluations & Checklists
The following items are provided as a means of assessing the quality of these 10 childrens
picture books. While all books will not address every item, it is important that the book
addresses a number of items in each section. In addition to the quality checklist is a short
evaluation note on the presence of ableism and multiculturalism.
BOOK 1: Dont Call Me Special by Pat Thomas
Evaluation Notes: This book did an excellent job at inclusion of all types of disabilities. It is
informative and includes characters that are clearly from different backgrounds and cultural
groups. The book explains how calling children with disabilities special is a term that is
outdated and disliked by those with disabilities.
The story:
is interesting to children.
offers children a variety of things to think about, question, or consider.
is age-appropriate and children can understand what is represented.
includes a rich, thick plot.
includes a problem and resolution
utilizes style and language that are appropriate for the childrens ages and interests.
includes realistic, convincing characters.
The illustrations:
are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

correspond to the text.
hold the childrens interest while the text is read.
enhance and add to the story.
Cultural considerations:
Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

Children are exposed to multiple perspectives and values.
There are no negative stereotypes of the represented groups.
The lifestyles of the characters are genuine and complex not oversimplified or generalized.
The characters use speech that accurately represents their culture and oral traditions.
The author and/or illustrator are a part of the group represented.
Good characters reflect a variety of backgrounds.
There is diversity represented within cultural groups.
Caitlin Boerner
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Book 2: All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann
Evaluation Notes: This book highlights the unique qualities of individuals with Asperger's in a
creative way that is fun and entertaining to children. It focuses on solely one disability but
addresses it very well.
The story:
The illustrations:


Caitlin Boerner
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Book 3: Russells World: A Story for Kids About Autism by Charles A Amenta
Evaluation Notes: This books features a real life family with real photographs to match. It is a
reliable source of information on this disability as the parents of main character Russell, a boy
with autism, who have first-hand experience are the authors of this book. It develops a positive
light on children with autism as well as teaches students to be inclusive and not afraid of actions
from children with autism.
The story:
The illustrations:


The characters use speech that accurately represents their culture and oral traditions
Caitlin Boerner
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Book 4: My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Evaluation Notes: The characters in this book are assumed to be those of an African American
family which initially exposes children to diversity and different cultural groups. The sister in the
story does reflect on many of the negative characteristics of her brother who has autism which at
first gives a bit of a negative portrayal to autism. However, in the end of the story she explains
all the good things she loves about her brother with autism.
The story:
The illustrations:

The characters use speech that accurately represents their culture and oral traditions
Caitlin Boerner
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Book 5: Just Because by Rebecca Elliott
Evaluation Notes: Both of the characters in this book are Caucasian which does not provide
much diversity. Some of the ideas in this book could be confusing to young students because
they are not explained well enough such as when Toby says him and Clemmie traveled to the
moon in her chair (it was never noted that this was pretend). It does however include a child who
is physically disabled as one of the main characters.
The story:
includes a problem and resolution.
The illustrations:


Caitlin Boerner
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Book 6: The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia by Diane Burton Robb
Evaluation Notes: This book promotes a positive self-image for people with disabilities. It
features a child with dyslexia and the many characteristics that are common of the learning
disability. At the end of the book the main character overcomes his struggles with dyslexia and
he notices he can do anything if he puts his mind to it.
The story:
The illustrations:


Caitlin Boerner
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Book 7: Looking out for Sarah by Glenna Lang
Evaluation Notes: This book is set in the perspective of Perry the seeing eye dog who leads his
blind owner Sarah. This could be confusing to children as it makes the dog seem almost too
human like. The characters in this story go on a true and inspirational journey which shows that
even those who may be blind are as capable as any other person.
The story:
The illustrations:


Caitlin Boerner
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Book 8: I See Without my Eyes by Mark Brauner Hayward
Evaluation Notes: This book creates a positive self- image for those who are blind and
informative to those who are not blind. Carolyn, the main character who happens to be blind, is
portrayed as a three dimensional person who is capable of having a personality and lifestyle.
The story:
The illustrations:


Caitlin Boerner
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Book 9: A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan
Evaluation Notes: This book includes children and characters of all different cultural groups,
personalities, interests and abilities. It includes a section about those friends who are disabled
referring to them as challenged in movement or speech. This description of those who are
disabled does stay away from loaded words that convey negative messages however it only
refers to physical disabilities and speech impairments leaving out vision impairments, learning
disabilities and many other disabilities.
The story:
The illustrations:


Good characters reflect a variety of backgrounds
Caitlin Boerner
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Book 10: Its Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
Evaluation Notes: This book promotes acceptance of every type of person, culture, and abilities.
The illustrations and descriptions call to attention those topics that are difficult to approach such
as disabilities, race, same-sex families, stepfamilies, and adoption.
The story:
The illustrations:


Good characters reflect a variety of backgrounds

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Caitlin Boerner

Multicultural Text Set

Dont Call Me Special by Pat Thomas

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 5th

Summary: This book is about children who have different

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 2nd

Summary: This book is an ideal and gentle way to introduce the

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

Russells World: A Story for Kids About Autism by Charles A

Appropriate grade level: Pre K 4th

Summary: Russel, the main character of this book, is a boy with

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 4th

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

Just Because by Rebecca Elliott

Appropriate Grade level: Pre K- 2nd

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia by Diane Burton Robb

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 3rd

Summary: Adam enters kindergarten struggling with learning to

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

Looking out for Sarah by Glenna Lang

Appropriate Age Level: Pre K 3rd

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

I See Without my Eyes by Mark Brauner Hayward

Appropriate Age Level: Pre K 3rd

Summary: A nine-year-old blind girl named Carolyn explains

Recommended Use: An activity that could be used along with

A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 2nd

Summary: This book shows that friends can be different from us

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

Its Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre K 1st

Summary: Todd Parr, known for his colorful vibrant

VA Literacy Foundation Block: 1(Oral expression), 2(Vocabulary), 3(Phonological Awareness),

Quality Childrens Picture Book Evaluations & Checklists

BOOK 1: Dont Call Me Special by Pat Thomas

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

Book 2: All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Book 5: Just Because by Rebecca Elliott

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

Book 7: Looking out for Sarah by Glenna Lang

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

Book 8: I See Without my Eyes by Mark Brauner Hayward

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.

Book 9: A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan

are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.

Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.