Comentary... Books are a window into a different perspective

 

Last updated 1/15/2019 at Noon



I read "George" by Alex Gino last year, knowing my son wanted to participate in the Oregon Battle of the Books as a third-grader.

My son began reading "George" over the holiday break. After three chapters he came to me and said he was confused. I asked him what was confusing, which lead to a conversation about the book and how all people are different. We decided to continue to read "George" together so he can ask questions of me as they arise.

My son is 8 years old, it's natural for him to be confused and ask questions about things he doesn't fully understand. The conversation we had about "George" was similar to other conversations we have had about varying subjects that range from difficult to silly, like who was Martin Luther King; why do we thank our veterans; why did my uncle die; why don't we tell poop jokes at school, and others.

My children are curious, and it's my job as a parent to try to explain things so they can begin to understand.

I've realized the difficult conversations are much harder for me, as an adult, to discuss than they are for my kids to grasp. Regardless of how difficult the subject matter, children need to connect with adults about things that may be confusing or hard to explain - not be shielded from them. Our family consistently falls to books to help support these connections. Books, specifically books with diverse authors, characters and life experiences, like George, offer a window into a life my children have not experienced.

Close to 30 years ago, Rudine Sims Bishop, a professor from Ohio State University, wrote an article about books being "Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Glass Doors." "Books are sometimes windows, offering views of a world that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange...a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us."

Sims Bishop's article was originally written to address the need for racial diversity in children's books, but I believe her message can be easily translated to any minority.

"Children from dominant social groups have always found their mirrors in books, but they too have suffered from the lack of availability of books about others. They need the books as windows onto reality, not just on imaginary worlds. They need books that will help them understand the multicultural nature of the world they live in, and their place as a member of just one group, as well as their connections to other humans."

"George" may not be your next favorite book, and that's OK. I have read a lot of books that are not my favorite but there is something about each that sticks with me. I learn and grow as a person, parent, and citizen from what I read - and so can my children. I hope others will pick up "George" and other titles that help them experience a window into a different perspective.

If you need help finding a diverse read check out http://www.DiverseBooks.org for a list of titles and authors for all ages.

To all our Sisters friends, neighbors, and kids who are members of the LBGTQ community and are feeling isolated because of derogatory comments in regard to this text or in general - know you are loved and supported. If you're feeling like you have no one to talk to, The Trevor Project has a 24-hour number you can call/text: 1-866-488-7386. You are not alone.

I tell my kids it's good to be different. If the world was full of the same people it would be a boring place.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Https://www.nuggetnews.com/home/cms Data/dfault/images/masthead 260x100
Sisters Oregon Guide
Spirit Of Central Oregon
Spirit Youtube
Nugget Youtube

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/27/2024 16:57