Lisa Degnan

Books have always been an integral part of my classroom. However, I realize that my classroom library is sorely lacking in books that are culturally diverse. Students need access to many types of literature that will help them connect to the world in which we live. I want books in the hands of my students that will peak their inquisitive, compassionate, and creative spirits. As a 5th grade reading teacher in a school with many culturally diverse students, it is important that the books they read mirror their cultural heritage and give them the opportunity explore diversity.

Many of my students do not have access to books at home and rely on my classroom library to provide high-quality options to read.
I hope to help my students understand that there is a great big world out there. The many races, religions, and cultures in our classroom should be represented in the books we read. Every child should know the wonder of a good mystery, a great piece of realistic fiction, or a biography that uplifts. To put a book in the hands of a child with a protagonist that mirrors their unique culture would mean so much to many children. Books have always been an integral part of my classroom. However, I realize that my classroom library is sorely lacking in books that are culturally diverse. Students need access to... read more