Censorship in Early Childhood: A Critical Content Analysis of Banned and Challenged Latine Picture Books
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21900/j.rydl.v6i1.1400Keywords:
children's literature, Critical Race Theory, Latine, book bans, picture booksAbstract
Book bans have historically been used to limit the types of books that students have access to, especially for communities of Color and historically marginalized groups. Using Critical Race Content Analysis, we analyzed how Latine individuals and experiences are portrayed in banned/challenged picture books to understand the experiences portrayed in the texts. We identified ten Latine picture book titles that were banned or challenged and also award winners. We found that Latine picture books that were challenged or banned included experiential knowledge, the centrality of race and racism, challenged the dominant ideology of Latine communities, included interdisciplinary perspectives, and exhibited a commitment to social justice. All children, especially Latine children, should engage and discuss children's books that include the Latine experience and their own stories.
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