Scholarly Article

I found the scholarly article We Are Family: Using Diverse Structure Literature with Children, written by Deanna Peterschick Gilmore and Kari Bell, using the E-Resource, Wilson Select Plus through the Michigan State University Library. This article discusses the importance of diverse literature in the lives of children from all family types. The authors state that, “children who live in homes with alternate family patterns need to see their lives depicted in the books they read.” (Gilmore 280). The article makes note that the composition of the “American Family” has changed over the years and it is important that the literature change with it. Gilmore states that “although the traditional father, mother, child structure still dominates, other family patterns are emerging.” (Gilmore 279). It is very important that parents and teachers read and make available all sorts of different literature in order to show that every family is neither the same nor perfect but happiness is possible. Children who are adopted need to hear other adoption stories in order to feel comfortable in their own skin and to realize that they aren’t a mistake or feel singled out. Gilmore states that by reading “thoughtful, well-written [stories of adoption], it helps parents, teachers, and children with both the concept and the language of adoption.” (Gilmore 287). America’s families are changing and it is important that the literature change also to reflect these new family dynamics. In conclusion, Bell and Gilmore give great suggestions for books to read to children who have experienced adoption and they state that “when children witness themselves in literature, their confidence increases as well as their motivation.” (Gilmore 281).