A Multicultural Reader

Exemplary contemporary literature blends the uniqueness and commonalities of all cultures

Introduce the many voices that together represent nearly 40 percent of all students in the United States Hispanic, African American, Asian American, Native American, and those of Greek, Italian, Jewish, and Arabic heritage. Selections span 6 themes and 10 genres: Autobiography, Poem, Memoir, Short Story, Article, Letter, Essay, Newspaper Column, Monologue, and Personal Essay.

The selections are organized by themes that relate to student's lives. The stories, poems, and essays raise questions common to all and help students identify which cultural differences actually matter.

A special chapter, A Guide to Personal Writing, addresses personal narrative and personal voice, provides student-written models, and guides students through the writing process.

Special Focus: Making Cultural Connections

Students connect with the universal themes in the books and begin to break cultural barriers by

• comparing and contrasting cultural heritages and viewpoints

• making personal connections with the stories

• debating relevant issues

• writing about their own cultural heritage

Collection One Grades 6-8 Lexile Levels 700-1280 364 pages

Collection Two Grades 9-12 Lexile Levels 670-1450 462 pages.

Teaching resource includes:

• assessment options for each selection and unit
  
• strategies for differentiating instruction
  
• a skills chart to align instruction with state and district standards
  
• pre-, during-, and post-reading activities
  
• writing workshops and 6 Trait writing rubrics