Session 10: Exploring Latino/a Literature

This week we'll continue to talk about critical literacy (bring the Kuhlman article to class) and then focus on Latino/a children's and adolescent literature.

Read:

• Becoming Naomi Leon
• Ada (2003): This chapter is from the book A Magical Encounter: Latino Children's Literature in the Classroom. Why does Ada use the term "Latina" to identify herself? How is this connected to her understanding of self and history? What does she add to our understanding of the insider/outsider debate? To our understanding of the Pura Belpre award?
  
• Barrera and Quiroa (2003): This chapter is from the book Stories Matter: The Complexity of Cultural Authenticity in Children's Literature. Why is it important to consider the use of Spanish in texts? When does it enhance the text? When does it detract from the text? How might audiences of Spanish/English and English speakers be accommodated?
  

Write (Group A):

• Write a questioning the text paper and submit it by 6 pm the night before class.

Blogging:

• If you are a "B": Please post before the class session. The topic is "open"--you can write about Becoming Naomi Leon, the Ada or Barrera and Quiroa articles, or something else!
  

• If you are an "A" or "C": Respond to at least one post from a "B" before session 11.