Through the window of multicultural literature, we are allowed to enter worlds not physically open to us-to view, to empathize, and to participate emotionally in ways that may ultimately change the way we see ourselves and the society in which we live. Introducing students to the historical contexts of racism and prejudice through the use of literature promotes active discussions and leads students to think about racial diversity. This book provides a mechanism for teachers-pre-service to veteran-to develop an understanding of multicultural literature and the criteria used to evaluate it. It promotes multicultural education in schools and helps to develop teaching strategies and resources that will benefit all students. Through its discussion of picture books, folklore, fairytales, myth, legends, fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and nonfiction works appropriate for grades K-8, students are enabled to see the strengths and weaknesses within each literature genre as well as within each culture. Prospective and experienced teachers will gain a deeper understanding of how to use multicultural literature throughout the entire curriculum and not just during designated months or time periods. Examples of unit plans and an extensive annotated bibliography are also included. Cultural Journeys will help teachers and other readers to deepen their knowledge, appreciation, and pedagogical understandings of multicultural literature.

As multicultural education is becoming integral to the core curriculum, teachers often implement this aspect into their courses through literature. However, standards and criteria to teach and promote active discussion about this literature are sparse. Cultural Journeys introduces pre-service and experienced teachers to the use of literature to promote active discussions that lead students to think about racial diversity. More than just an annotated list of books for children, Pamela S. Gates and Dianne L. Hall Mark provide systematic guidelines that teachers can use throughout their careers to evaluate multicultural literature for students in grades K-8. At the same time, the text leads the reader to a deeper understanding of how to use multicultural literature throughout the entire curriculum and not just during specially designated months or time periods. With the example unit plans and extensive annotated bibliography, this book is a valuable resource that pre-service teachers will utilize when they begin teaching and in-service teachers will reference repeatedly during their planning periods.