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Language

Lexile Measure: AD650L

Publisher: Candlewick (June 14, 2016)

This is a story about a boy named Hee Jun who faces many challenges when has to move with his family from Korea to West Virginia. In this moment, he became a “different” kid instead of just one of the crowd. When Hee Jun's family arrives in West Virginia, he largely struggles to adjust to his new home. His eyes are not big and round like his classmates', and he can't understand anything the teacher says, even when she speaks slowly and loudly at him. Later in the story, he is invited to a classmate's house. Here, he sees a flower he remembers from his garden in Korea and Hee Jun is happy to bring it to his grandmother to plant a "piece of home" in their new garden.  Over time, Hee Jun begins to learn English and make many friends at school.

This story is a perfect mirror for students who are English Language Learners. This is because this story portrays the obstacles that the language barriers and the custom changes create. A child who is trying to assimilate to a completely alien environment may read this and feel understood. This story is also a window for not only students who are native-speakers, but also for teachers. This is because teachers have to understand that speaking loudly and slowly will not suffice for these students needs.

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“We'll Paint the Octopus Red” By: Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen 

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“We'll Paint the Octopus Red” By: Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen 

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Differing Abilities

Lexile Measure: Currently Not Available

Publisher: Woodbine House; 1 edition (1998)

Six-year-old Emma is so excited for her new sibling to be born. She can't wait to do all of her favorite activities with him/her. When Isaac is born, Emma's father tells her that he has something called Down syndrome. As her dad shares this news, Emma sees his concern and worries that Isaac might not be able to  go on all of those adventures after all. While they have a conversation about what Down syndrome is, they come to the conclusion that he will be able to do everything she's imagined; that as long as they are patient with Isaac, and help him when he needs it, there probably isn't anything Isaac can't do. Emma realizes that Issac is exactly the sibling she had been hoping for.

Finding out your child or sibling is born with intellectual or physical impairments can be very scary. It is never very expected and because of this, it takes a lot of learning. This story is a perfect mirror to students who have a family member who has a disability. This is  because it shows how scary it can be at first, but that a family’s love and support can help a child accomplish almost anything. This story is a window in the sense that it helps children to understand that others who have differing abilities are really just the same as anyone else.

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Gender Stereotypes

Lexile Measure: Currently Not Available

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2011)

The main character in The Basket Ball is Lulu, a girl who would much rather play sports than play with dolls. But the boys in her neighborhood think that basketball isn't "for girls." So Lulu takes the initiative to start her own team and recruits other girls by hosting a Basket Ball where girls trade in ball gowns for basketballs.

This book exposes certain gender stereotypes and shows how these stereotypes should be broken. Lulu  prefers playing basketball to playing with dolls, even though this breaks typical gender role expectations. This story is a mirror for readers who may feel confined to the "norms" of their gender. This book is also a window for readers who have a set opinion on stereotypical gender roles. This book pushes readers to think about equal treatment of boys and girls. The main takeaway from this story is that anyone should be allowed to participate in anything they want, regardless of gender.

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“Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote” By: Duncan Tonatiuh 

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“Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote” By: Duncan Tonatiuh 

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Immigration

Lexile Measure: AD590L

Series: Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award (Awards)

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (May 7, 2013)

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote is about young rabbit named Pancho eagerly awaiting his papa’s return. Papa Rabbit traveled north two years ago to find work in the "great carrot and lettuce fields" to earn money for his family. When Papa does not return, Pancho sets out to find him. He packs Papa’s favorite meal which is mole, rice and beans, a heap of warm tortillas, and a jug of aguamiel. He then begins to head north. He meets a coyote, who offers to help Pancho in exchange for some of Papa’s food. They travel together until the food is gone and the coyote decides to take advantage of Pancho and wants to eat him. Pancho overcomes all of the obstacles in order to find his father and to live a better life for himself, and his family.

This story brings light to the hardship and struggles faced by thousands of families who seek to make better lives for themselves and their children by illegally crossing the border. In this way, it acts as a mirror to students who are from families that have immigrated to this country. It also acts as a window where students can read about the struggles and experiences of others who have had to leave their home to travel to a new country in order to better their lives. This allows for students to become more accepting through learning about this culture.

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Gender Identity

Lexile Measure: Currently Not Available

Publisher: Candlewick (April 23, 2018)

While Julián was riding the subway home with his abuela, he becomes mesmerized by 3 mermaids in beautiful colors, long hair, and flowing gowns. Julián can't stop thinking about these mermaids and begins to imagine himself as one. When he gets home, Julián begins to transform into a mermaid with the help of curtains, plants, and lipstick. When Julian is caught by his abuela he is unsure how to feel. His abuela later brings him to the mermaid parade where he is surrounded by love, belonging, and acceptance.

Jessica Love's story is a prime example of self-love and a celebration of individuality. This book acts as a mirror in that it reflects the life of a child who is unsure of his/her identity and is worried about how others may react. Yet it shows that you can be loved and accepted for being exactly who you are meant to be. This book also acts as a window for students to read and understand more about the life of a person who was born as something different than who they were meant to be.

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“Last Stop on Market Street” By: Matt de la Peña  

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“Last Stop on Market Street” By: Matt de la Peña  

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Socioeconomic Diversity

Lexile Measure: AD610L

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 8, 2015)

This is a story of an African American boy named CJ who rides the bus across town every week with his grandmother after church. But one day CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby; or why he doesn't have an iPod like the other boys on the bus. He asks his grandmother why they always have to get off in the dirty part of town. His grandma answers each question with an encouraging response that helps him to see the beauty in their world around them. She helps him to turn his complaints into gratitude and positivity.

This book acts as a mirror for students are from families who do not have as much money, or as many things, than other people they may know.  As a child, it is very hard to understand why someone else your age has all the newest toys while you do not. This book provides appreciation for simplicity rather than materialism. Additionally, for ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity.

While I was reading the reviews for this book, a 5th grade teacher wrote, "I am excited to have a mirror that accurately reflects our city, and a character of color that reflects my students”.

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“My Religion, Your Religion” By: Lisa Bullard 

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“My Religion, Your Religion” By: Lisa Bullard 

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Religion

Lexile Measure: AD520L

Publisher: Millbrook Press (January 1, 2015)

One day, David's friend invites him to a service at a Jewish synagogue. David feels very anxious because he is a Christian and he has only ever been to churches. But soon David discovers that learning about different religions is fun and interesting! David becomes much more aware of different religions and begins to ask questions about them. He ends up learning about different aspects of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam; covering topics such as meals, languages, houses of worship, and a diverse and inclusive mix of families. David discovers that different religions have many similarities!

This book emphasizes that it's best not to ignore differences but to learn more about them. This text confronts the norm that only one religion is the "best" and that people from other religions are wrong. The dominant religion practiced around the world is Christianity. This text exemplifies this with the main character, but then shows him learning about other religions; and that there are many similarities in beliefs between religions and each one should be learned about and celebrated! By learning more about the practices performed in different religions, students can become more culturally aware and accepting.

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Childhood Hunger / Poverty

Lexile Measure: Currently Not Available

Publisher: Flashlight Press (September 1, 2014)

When Sophia goes to Maddi's house, she is surprised to see that her fridge is completely empty except for a carton of milk. Maddi admits that her mom does not have enough money to go to the grocery store. When the two go to Sophia's house, her mother makes them a bountiful dinner. Wanting to do something to help Maddi, Sofia tells her mother about the empty fridge. Together, they go to the store to buy groceries. Towards the end of the story, Maddi climbs over the climbing wall at the park that she had not been able to climb over before.

In this storyline, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger. This book acts as a window for students to see through into the lives of other children who may be going through their days at school hungry and scared. This book provides children with the ability to know exactly what they can do to help someone in a situation like this. This book is also a mirror because students can read this know that they are not alone and that they should not be scared to tell other's about their situation; because when a community comes together, they can find help.

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“Brown Girl Dreaming" By: Jacqueline Woodson 

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“Brown Girl Dreaming" By: Jacqueline Woodson 

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Racism

Lexile Measure: 0990

Publisher: Puffin Books; Reprint edition (October 11, 2016)

Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir by Jacqueline Woodson. She tells of her childhood as an African American in the American Northeast and South in the 1960s. In her story, her family moves to South Carolina.This region is very segregated and the people who live there are racially-charged. While racism and segregation exist there, the place is still home to Jackie’s grandparents. Later, Jackie’s mother takes her and her siblings to New York with her because she decides she wants to move North. It is at this time that Jackie decides that she wants to become a writer. Later, Jackie’s uncle gets in trouble with the police and is sent to prison. Her grandpa dies of cancer which was very heartbreaking for Jackie. At school, Jackie’s teacher tells her that she is indeed a writer. Jackie is excited and determined as she makes plans to fulfill this dream.

Although this text was set in a time where racism was more extreme and prominent in some senses, unfortunately racism still exists in our world today. This text is primarily a mirror to students who have been victims to racism. But there are many other mirrors in this story as well; including a loved one who has died from cancer or a family member who has gone to prison. This text shows that you can overcome obstacles in order to fulfill your dreams. It is also a window to students who have not had to deal with racism and prejudice because they may be of a "dominant" race.

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“The Day You Begin” By: Jacqueline Woodson

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“The Day You Begin” By: Jacqueline Woodson

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Marginalized Groups

Lexile Measure: AD980L

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (August 28, 2018)

It is hard going to school and feeling like you just don't fit in. The Day You Begin is tells the stories of different marginalized children's experiences at school. This story centers on Angelina, who has big curly hair and brown skin. She begins the school year with a class share-out of summer travels; she hears about everyones grand experiences around the world and is saddened by the fact she had to care for her younger sister all summer at home. This text also incorporates the stories of Rigoberto, a recent immigrant from Venezuela, and a Korean girl with her “too strange” lunch of kimchi, meat, and rice. But by the end of the story, we learn  no one there is quite like you until the day you use your voice to share your stories. This book is about the power of one’s voice and the friendships that are created once you are yourself.

This book acts as a mirror to any student who is a part of a marginalized group or has felt left out because of their differences from the rest of the group. This book shows the difficulties that students go through when they feel segregated from the rest of the group. The text emphasizes the importance of loving oneself along with the differences that make you, you; and using your voice to tell your stories because by doing this, you will build relationships off of similarities you may not have even realized you had with other students. All of the different stories portrayed in this book allow for different students to see a reflection of themselves. While also shedding light to the fact that other students feel the same way but in different situations. This book acts as a window to students who may "fit in better" in the sense that they will have a better understanding of how it feels to feel isolated.