Windows and Mirrors in Latino Children\u27s Literature: A History and Analysis of the Latino Cultural Experience

Abstract This article discusses material about children’s books that reflect the Latino cultural experience. The need for windows and mirrors in children’s literature is addressed, followed by a review of three Latino children’s book awards that recognize exemplary literature that provides such windows and mirrors. A content analysis of Latino children’s books published in the past decade identifies common themes in Latino children’s literature, followed by examples of specific interactions and responses to these books with Latino children, pre-service teachers, and educators. A brief qualitative study is described involving the use of a recently-published Latino children’s literature title with university students. This article offers information to K-12 teachers, librarians, and professors in teacher preparation programs in using books with children that align with the Latino cultural experience. Keywords: Latino, children’s literature, cultural experienc