Tunnel/Jacobs: Children's Literature Briefly (Chapter 15)

This chapter was about multicultural and international books. The authors are correct when they indicate that these books "foster an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of people" who are different from us. I grew up reading books about people from far away lands. Of course, most of the stories that I read were based on fiction, but it helped me to appreciate different cultures, and to respect their ideals and superstitions. Essentially, these multicultural books made me realize, at an early age, that we had more things in common with people from other countries than not. For instance, in most story books, the tales were often about people caring for their families, their friends, or their community or countrymen. The main characters were either compassionate and wise, or ruthless and foolish. Yet, in most cases, it was about people wanting to do the right thing, or trying to correct a wrong. Later, when I served in the military, I actually was fortunate enough to be able to travel to several of these "far away lands", and you know what? I felt that I already knew these people! In fact, when I walked about in different countries and conversed with countrymen, I was usually received in a very cordial manner. Once, people actually knew that I was American, the stories that we shared became more lively as we all desired to learn more about each other's cultures. Amazing what books can do!