The Power of Seeing Yourself in Books
“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you until the day you begin to share your stories.” —Jacqueline Woodson, award-winning writer As equally important as the books that act as windows—books that enlighten readers by showing them different perspectives—are books that act as mirrors, reflecting the readers’ own experiences back at them. Readers feel validated when they find their own identity—or facets of their own identity—in the pages of a book. When students have the opportunity to see themselves in books, it helps them form a connection to the book on another level. Identifying with the characters or subjects in a story allows for a deeper comprehension of the text because students are making text-to-self connections. (For more on text-to-self connections, turn to page 22 of this guide.) Affirming Identity When students see themselves in books and school materials, they are more engaged and motivated to read. This increase in engagement from representation leads to improved academic outcomes like heightened critical thinking skills and even increases in standardized test scores (Marshall, 2023). Studies have also shown that reading for pleasure increases students’ knowledge of themselves and other people, which leads to greater levels of self-esteem, confidence, and social interaction. Other research has shown students have demonstrated improvements in imagination, focus and flow, and mood regulation (BOP Consulting, 2015). It’s important to remember that messages are embedded in all books. When students do not see themselves in texts—or worse, see only distorted or stereotypical reflections—they can internalize negative cultural views. Likewise, students who only see themselves reflected in texts may develop an egocentric view of the world, rendering the experiences of others invisible. The Commitment to Quality Literature Literature opens the door to understanding the human experience, especially those experiences that reflect our lives, our realities. Through literature we can see authentic and aspirational representations of ourselves, understand our self-worth, and know the power of belonging we all crave. Books also often introduce us to characters who are different from us with experiences beyond our realities and imaginations, allowing us to see the world from new perspectives. Such understandings are necessary for all children, as they are critical to the development of a global and well-rounded citizenry.
USING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE BOOKS IN YOUR CLASSROOM
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