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=The African American Experience in Children's Picture Books=


 * I took a class on Children's Literature this semester, making me examine the books owned by my niece and nephew.
 * I discovered that their books were not very multicultural, not reflecting the county where they live.
 * The most current Census.gov information has Prince George's County at 63.8% African American.


 * Research shows that multicultural literature is important for children to learn about their world.
 * African American children should be able to see themselves in picture books, developing self worth.
 * White children should be presented with realistic portrayals of the world to develop cultural consciousness.


 * Books are often selected for children because of their importance in the literary canon.
 * These books are often 'classics' which fail to depict African American characters outside of background or servile roles.
 * //The Snowy Day// is an exception, with an African American boy as the protagonist. [[image:where_the_wild_things_are.jpg]][[image:the_snowy_day.jpg]]


 * It is also important that these books about the African American experience be created by African Americans.
 * African American children should be exposed to their culture from the interpretations of those who live in it[[image:ten_little_colored_boys.jpg width="184" height="148" align="right"]].
 * White children should be exposed to perspectives outside of their own culture.


 * Picture books and images from them are crucial.
 * Children begin to develop racial consciousness at early ages.
 * Exposure to positive and honest multicultural books can help children develop well-rounded views.