What is “Culturally Authentic Literature?”
Every individual growing up is surrounded by cultural experiences. Whether these experiences come from association with family members, friends, social groups or church gatherings, these connections provide the context for the individual’s perception of the world. When removed from that environment, the individual may come across a story that brings back memories of experiences and may say “Yeah, that’s right, I remember that!” These stories or illustrations ring “true” to the reader, because as an insider, i.e. someone who has firsthand knowledge and experience, recognizes fundamental elements from their own cultural background that connects at an emotional level. When that happens, the reader encounters a culturally authentic piece of literature.
Turn to the Experts for Advice!
In the past 20 years, the number of books published in the United States with stories and illustrations focused on our diversity has increased substantially. Unfortunately, not all of these publications are culturally authentic. So, how do you know if a book is culturally authentic or not, especially if you are not a cultural insider? I recommend starting with these two short articles:
- Multicultural Children’s Literature in the Elementary Classroom by Mei-Yu Lu, offers very simple guidelines you can use when selecting multicultural literature.
- Beyond Good Intentions: Selecting Multicultural Literature by Joy Shioshita. Mentions issues of accuracy, stereotypes, epithets, and illustrations among others.
Latino Children’s Book Awards in English – for use in libraries and classrooms An initiative of the State Library to promote culturally authentic literature for all Utah children and their families. Through this initiative, most of the books honored by the Américas Award, Pura Belpré Award and the Tomás Rivera Award are available from the State Library. Public and School Librarians can contact the State Library and request books to be sent directly to their library via Interlibrary Loan.
- Brochure in English
- Latino Book Awards Annotated List
- Download Latino Book Awards Database of Winners and Honor Books (xls) (csv)
- State Library online catalog holdings
- Poster 11×17
- Poster 18×24
- Request materials
Established in 1993, the Américas Award is given in recognition of U.S. works of fiction, poetry, folklore, or selected non-fiction (from picture books to works for young adults) published in the previous year in English or Spanish that authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States. The award is sponsored by the national Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP) and currently hosted at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Award winners and commended titles are selected for their (1) distinctive literary quality; (2) cultural contextualization; (3) exceptional integration of text, illustration and design; and (4) potential for classroom use. The winning book is honored every year at a ceremony in September at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Established in 1996, the award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate. It was given as a biennial award from 1996 through 2008 and annually since then.
Established in 1995 and named in honor of Dr. Tomás Rivera, a distinguished alumnus of Texas State University, College of Education, the Tomás Rivera Award is given annually to honor the author/illustrator of the most distinguished book for children and young adults that authentically reflects the lives and experiences of Mexican Americans in the United States.
Native American Materials for All Ages Special collection available from the State Library. Public and School Librarians can contact the State Library and request books to be sent directly to their library via Interlibrary Loan.
South Asian & Middle Eastern
- Highlighting Outstanding Literature for Children and Teens. In recent years an increasing number of high-quality children’s and young adult books are published that portray South Asia or South Asians living abroad. To encourage and commend authors and publishers who produce such books, and to provide librarians and teachers with recommendations for educational use, the South Asia National Outreach Consortium (SANOC) will offer a yearly book award to call attention to outstanding works on South Asia.
- Middle East Outreach Council established the Middle East Book Awards in 1999 to recognize books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to understanding of the Middle East. Books that are nominated for awards are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience. Awards are announced in the Fall for books that were published during the period from January of the previous year through September of the current year.
For more information or assistance contact:Juan Tomás Lee
(801) 715-6769 or (800) 662-9150 (Utah toll-free)