Brian Colamussi

Multicultural Text Assignment

Book 1- A Rainbow of Friends

Description
A Rainbow of Friends is a picture book that talks about how everyone in the world is different.
We all have different views, we all may look different, and we all have different strengths and
weaknesses. Everyone is special in their own way and through friendship, love and care the
world will be a better place. We all need to stand together because we are stronger as a team.
Three key words Peace, Harmony, and Love
For grades PreK-K
Evaluation
It was clear from the start of the book that it was going to promote inclusiveness. One way I was
able to tell was from the pictures on each page. There was a good variation of children with
characters who were white, black, light skin, blonde, brunette, red headed, and disabled. While
reading and analyzing the book I didn’t notice any stereotypes or loaded words which was good
for promoting a positive classroom environment. I also also noticed that there both male and
female characters who had roles in the story.
Recommended Use
I think this book would be great to read in the beginning of the year when everyone is getting to
know each other. Having students talk about their home lives and where they come from is a
great way to make the class comfortable with each other. One activity I would have my class do
is first sit in a big circle. I would then give one student a ball and tell the class that only the
person with the ball can talk. I would then have them share one thing about their life then pass
the ball to the next classmate. This is a great way for students to introduce themselves and to
build the positive classroom environment.
List of SOLs
The student will experience continuing success and positive feelings about self.

Begin to ask how and why questions.

Use pictures to identify topic and make predictions.
Description
Book 2- Happy in Our Skin
Happy in Our Own Skin is a great picture book that should be read in all PreK and K classrooms.
The book is all about being comfortable and proud in your own skin. It’s a very positive book
that talks about how everyone’s skin may be different regarding color, but it’s there for the same
reasons. Everyone’s skin is unique and that’s what makes us all special and beautiful.
Three key words Unique, self-confidence, and community
For grades PreK-K
Evaluation
One of the first things I have been noticing when reading these books on diversity is how good
and detailed the illustrations are. They really show and represent the people in the book so
nicely. This book is a great way to boosts children self-esteem concerning the complexion of
their skin. The lifestyles of all the characters were genuine and not complex. There was also no
stereotyping in the book, and I would say it promotes inclusiveness because it talks about how
everyone should feel special and comfortable in their own skin.
Recommended Use
Again, I think this book can be used to make everyone in the class feel comfortable with each
other. Everyone is different and special in their own way and I think it’s important that we make
young children aware of this. The book spoke about more than just people with different skin
colors. It included people who may have dimples, freckles, birthmarks, and even goose pimples.
One activity I think you can do with your class that relates to the book is have each student say
there name then one unique thing about their skin. Make sure your students know that it’s not
just the color of or skin that may be different. There are so many different possibilities and this is
a great way to get kids thinking and talking.
List of SOLs
The student will experience continuing success and positive feelings about self.

Use pictures to identify topic and make predictions.

Identify text features specific to the topic, such as titles, headings, and pictures.
Book 3- BEAUTiFUL
Description
The book BEAUTiFUL focused all on girls which I was a little surprised about to be honest. Its
spoke about how all girls are beautiful. It didn’t matter whether they were white, black, disabled,
or just considered different. The book was all about how all girls are beautiful no matter what.
The book also talked about what beautiful girls do and how they make the world beautiful.
Three key words equality, smile, and beautiful
For grades PreK-K
Evaluation
Something I have noticed in all the picture books I’ve read the illustrations really were amazing.
The detail on each page of the individuals was great. The book represented all different types of
girls in a positive way. When weighing the relationship between the people in the book there was
no signs of one group/race dominating another. All the characters interacted together and were
displayed equally. There was also no displays or stereotypes and I didn’t notice any loaded
words. The book promotes social consciousness because its all about girls and how they are
beautiful. This is important because unfortunately woman aren’t always treated equally to men.
This is something we need to continue to work on until everyone is treated equal.
Recommended Use
I think this book would be a great option for girls to read during quiet reading time. I said for
girls to read because it only focuses on how girls are beautiful and I’m not sure if it would be
appropriate for younger boys to be reading strictly about how girls are beautiful. Maybe on
Mother’s Day I could this book being read to the entire class. After reading you can have the
students draw a picture of their moms and give it to them for Mother’s Day.
List of SOLs
The student will experience continuing success and positive feelings about self.

Use pictures to identify topic and make predictions.

Identify text features specific to the topic, such as titles, headings, and pictures.

Book 4- Its Okay to Be Different

Description
This book covered all different topics and themes when it comes to diversity. Its all about how
being different is ok. When it says “it’s okay to different” it includes so many different things. It
talks about personal image whether that means your skin color or just something else about you
that may be different. It displays all the differences people may have in a positive and fun way
using pictures of people and animals. Its very kid friendly and covers topics that aren’t always
easy to talk about with young children.
Three key words Confidence, Strength, and Special
For grades Prek-K
Evaluation
This book promotes social and political consciousness because its all about how being different
is okay and how are differences are what makes us special. One of the pages touched on how its
ok to have different dads or different moms which is a great example of social and political
consciousness. It goes on to saying how its ok to say no or do nice things for people which is
another example of social consciousness. This book made me think about the Eight Key
Questions Handbook because it really touched on all the things that go into the handbook. Made
me specifically think of empathy and fairness because all kids deserve an equal chance at success
no matter.

Recommended Use
I’ve noticed from just a few weeks in my practicum class that animals are talked about a lot and
used to enhance learning. Since there are animals displayed throughout the book, I think it could
be useful to have the children talk about the differences between the animals they are learning
about themselves. For example, they could compare themselves to a bear and come up with both
similarities and differences. I think this would be a great way to get the class involved and think
it would connect with the curriculum.
List of SOLs
The student will experience continuing success and positive feelings about self.

The student will experience continuing respect from others

Use pictures to identify topic and make predictions.

Book 5- Be Who You are

Description
The book Be Who You Are really is just about being who you are. Its goal is to reinforce the fact
that it is ok to just be you. Your color, where you’re from, or who you may live with does not
and should not matter. Everyone deserves to be who they are and to be loved.
Three key words You, Proud, and Love
For grades PreK-K
Evaluation
This book represents inclusiveness because it’s all about being who you are even if that means
being different. No matter what color hair you may have, or what language you speak, or if your
young or old its ok to just be you. This book also made me think about the Eight Key Questions
handbook specifically the section on rights. Everybody deserves the same inalienable rights that
should never be taken away from you. Therefore, everybody deserves the right to be themselves.
Recommended Use
If I were going to use this book in class, I would probably read it to my students in first couple
days of school. I think it is important to let your student know right away that it is ok for them to
be themselves in the classroom. Then I would have each student write five words to describe
themselves. After this I would have each student share with their shoulder partner the words on
their list. I think is a great way for students to get to know each other and feel comfortable with
each other.
List of SOLs
The student will identify "feeling good" and "feeling bad."

The student will experience continuing success and positive feelings about self.

Draw pictures and/or use letters and phonetically spelled words to write about experiences.