Bishop makes the point that it s crucial for children from marginalized groups to view themselves in the books they read.
Mirrors windows and doors in literature.
When lighting conditions are just right however a window can also be a mirror.
For books to provide an opening onto worlds beyond their own experience worlds real or imagined because children need to see children that look different in the books they read.
It has been twenty nine years since rudine sims bishop s seminal essay mirrors windows and sliding glass doors was published.
Don t forget about sliding glass doors ideas of representation and cultural awareness are central to the concept of windows and mirrors but critical reflection and thoughtful action are central to the idea of literature as a sliding glass door a concept similar to windows in that both present different experiences but sliding glass doors also can represent a change in perspective about.
In the essay dr.
And for reading to.
A window is a resource that offers you a view into someone else s experience.
Mirrors windows and sliding glass doors author.
Bishop coined the phrase windows mirrors and sliding glass doors to explain how children see themselves in books and how they can also learn about the lives of others through literature.
Speaking to the lack of children s books with african american characters and themes the essay called for books to act as windows and mirrors that would allow all children to see themselves and the experiences of others in what they read.
A mirror is a story that reflects your own culture and helps you build your identity.
The phrase mirrors and windows was initially introduced by emily style for the national seed project.