Diversity and multiculturalism are hot topics in schools. Teachers and librarians host celebrations, share folklore and teach facts to broaden student outlook and promote harmony. However, by limiting exposure to these compartmentalized events and activities, students miss the opportunity to learn about the unique qualities and issues of the people who are a part of those cultures and groups.

Liz Knowles and Martha Smith, authors of Character Builders (2006), Boys and Literacy (2005), and Reading Rules! (2001) have teamed up once again to compile a tool for educators to help them share more than cultural curiosities and facts with their students. Understanding Diversity Through Novels and Picture Books is a well-organized guide to literature by and about diverse people. The goal of the authors is not to present a multicultural view, which they find too restrictive. Instead they seek to show the full diversity that exists locally and throughout the world. Each chapter covers the National Association of Independent Schools Big 8 Cultural Identifiers with the addition of major ethnic groups. The first six focus on heritage:
• African/Black
• Asians
• Biracial/Multiracial
• Latino (Latin America)/Hispanic (Spanish)
• Middle East
• Native American/First Nation/North American Indigenous
• White/European

The final six zoom in on more individual traits:
• Ageism
• Exceptionalities
• Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Socioeconomic Status
• Religion

Organization within the chapters is consistent. Each group is introduced with a brief history and United States population statistics, followed by a concise definition from Magazine Publishers of America. This section is followed by the book lists, perhaps the most useful material in the book. Knowles and Smith include many reading suggestions on a variety of topics related to the target group. Historical fiction is the most common genre, but many others are represented. Both fiction and nonfiction titles are presented on a variety of reading and grade levels, including juvenile, young adult, picture books, nonfiction, and series. A survey of the recommended ages on the suggested readings shows that while there are options for all ages (preschool through adult) and reading levels, there is a heavy emphasis on grades four through eight. The authors used BooksInPrint.com to determine the appropriate age level for the books. Some chapters provide additional information with the citation. For example, the Latino/Hispanic chapter bibliographies include specific country names.

Drawing on their years of experience in education, Knowles and Smith have chosen books that provide an accurate view of the experiences and issues faced by diverse groups to help educators choose reading material that best represents the people and culture. Based on current research, the authors take the position that in order for literature to truly impart the essence of a culture, both the author and illustrator must be authentic, producing text and images that truthfully showcase the things specific and unique to the group. They should be members of the group they write about, sharing their personal experiences. Considering the broadness of diversity within cultures and groups, the book lists and resources can only be considered a sample of what it is available.

The authors profile a “Featured Author” for each group and include a brief biography, titles, facts, and contact information. With all of the attention paid to author authenticity, it is surprising that Knowles and Smith provide little explanation as to what credentials qualify the authors as a major representative of the group. Patricia Polacco, the featured author for “Exceptionalities” has written many popular books on a wide variety of topics including friendship, religion and learning disabilities. The short bullet of “Interesting Information” informs that she is dyslexic and learned to read at 14. While these details provide some insight into the selecction process, a more thorough description would be useful. Another small disappointment, suggested titles in this section do not have recommended grade levels, unlike all other lists.

To encourage further dialogue and thought, Knowles and Smith introduce a few discussion questions in each chapter. As an example, one the questions in the “Middle East” chapter discusses the perception of Middle Eastern people before and after September 11, 2001. Although many of our younger students are not as familiar with 9/11, through reading and conversation students can begin to understand how the events of that day affected the perception of those of Middle Eastern descent.

In addition to student reading, Understanding Diversity also includes resources for the educator. Bibliographies and annotated journal articles point to recently published papers that discuss cultural identity, customs, and icons. Each selection provides the teacher or librarian with insight into how to share the culture with students, as well as how to include students of that culture in the classroom. A “Resources” section includes books, organizations, websites and awards related to the highlighted group. This further reading often points to more book lists and collection development choices. The majority of the references to web sites were still active as of the writing of this review.

Understanding Diversity also includes more general diversity resources in the appendices. “Works Cited” and “Annotated References” lists provide recently published books and professional journal articles intended for the educator who wishes to provide more diversity in their instructional materials and library collection. A non-annotated list of internet resources leads to even more lists of books and suggested reading on the topic of diversity in literature. (In November 2008, all but one link directed to the appropriate web page.) While not a lengthy list, “Books That Include Other Languages” provides a great starting point for educators who would like to include bilingual childrens books in their collection. “Magazines” lists 16 serial publications that produce literature that fits within Knowles and Smith scope. Finally, alphabetical indexes provide quick access to authors and book titles.

Two chapters stand out as excellent resources for all schools, regardless of local demographics: “Exceptionalities” and “Socioeconomic Status.” The increase and prevalence of inclusion classes bring students of differing abilities together. Students can benefit from reading about characters who either are or interact with exceptional people. “Exceptionalities” reading selections cover a variety of abilities, ailments, conditions and childhood diseases. As a further help the bibliography lists the conditions with the citation.

“Socioeconomic Status” reading selections and research move beyond the more obvious situations of homelessness and extreme poverty to broach the much more common issue of big house versus little house. Our students live in a culture that is obsessed with materialism and celebrity; they are bombarded with images that portray great wealth as the standard to achieve. The selected readings show people who are making the most of whatever situation they are in.

It is encouraging to see so many options for readers of all levels and tastes to experience, through literature, the lives of diverse groups of people. Every page of Understanding Diversity opens provides opportunities to greater appreciation and understanding. This resource is an excellent starting point for educators who wish to enlighten their students, and themselves, on the lives of the people in the schools and communities. ( )