Searching for Windows and Mirrors: A Critical Content Analysis of Latinx Picture Books Published in 2020
Disciplines
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Curriculum and Social Inquiry
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Using critical content analysis (Johnson, Mathis, & Short, 2017) this study examines Latinx children's picture books that were published in 2020 and that included Latinx content according to the Cooperative Children's Book Center. Researchers examined 28 picture books and analyzed the texts and illustrations to document the types of books that were written, the themes in the book, the languages that were used. Findings indicate that most of the books include a diverse range of topics but focus on experiences that are positive and fail to portray complex social issues. Findings also indicate that the English language is privileged in the picture books with half of the books being written only using words in English. Finally, texts included superficial connections to the Latinx culture that are culturally authentic, specifically focusing on including food as a cultural marker.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
BCOE - Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Sanjuana Rodriguez
Searching for Windows and Mirrors: A Critical Content Analysis of Latinx Picture Books Published in 2020
Using critical content analysis (Johnson, Mathis, & Short, 2017) this study examines Latinx children's picture books that were published in 2020 and that included Latinx content according to the Cooperative Children's Book Center. Researchers examined 28 picture books and analyzed the texts and illustrations to document the types of books that were written, the themes in the book, the languages that were used. Findings indicate that most of the books include a diverse range of topics but focus on experiences that are positive and fail to portray complex social issues. Findings also indicate that the English language is privileged in the picture books with half of the books being written only using words in English. Finally, texts included superficial connections to the Latinx culture that are culturally authentic, specifically focusing on including food as a cultural marker.