How do I know a children’s book qualifies as antiracist? The educator’s analytic tool for choosing antiracist books for children.

Lawal, Tolulope Adesola (2024) How do I know a children’s book qualifies as antiracist? The educator’s analytic tool for choosing antiracist books for children. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study aimed to develop an educator’s analytic tool for successfully analysing antiracist books for children. The analytic tool was developed through a comparative systematic literature review of literary approaches and themes in modern anti-racist literature from two books: ‘Stamped: (Racism, Antiracism, and You) for kids’ by Jason Reynolds and Ibram Kendi and ‘This Book is Anti-racist’ by Tiffany Jewel. The review of literature chapter explored various authors' perspectives on the role that children's antiracist literature plays in creating a society where children of all races are equitably recognized in books. The consensus amongst these scholarly writers was that children's antiracist books are at the forefront of social justice efforts and creating a democratic environment for children. The methodology chapter portrayed how a qualitative research methodology was used to uncover themes and language in children's antiracist literature. A systematic literature review was used to select, appraise, synthesize, and analyse the two books chosen for this study. The analysis of these two books revealed that the following standards must be met when choosing an antiracist book: Age Appropriateness, Historical Accuracy, Systemic racism exploration, Embracing individuality discourse, Intersectionality, Dominant group exploration, Required antiracist actions, explanation of Harmful stereotypes and Examples of racism. Thus, the analytic tool equips educators with important themes to prioritize when choosing antiracist books for a more inclusive and equitable future.

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