You Can Be the Hero of Your Own Story: Preservice Teachers and Quality Books Representing Diverse Identities and Experiences

Using only monocultural books create problems of invisibility, ethnocentrism, and systemic privilege. For this study, undergraduate preservice teachers (PSTs) delved into books representing diverse identities and experiences over two subsequent semesters. Using surveys, reflections, and lesson plans, the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of PSTs changed as a result of the exposure and use within classroom assignments. PSTs responses indicated a stronger desire to include a broader range of books and to promote representation within the curriculum.