The Born to Read Diversity Initiative
Promoting Tolerance, Empathy, and Respect Through Children's Literature
Every child has the right to feel included.
Every child has the right to have the opportunity to
feel inclusive of others. This must happen every day,
lesson after lesson. Learning is a process, not an event,
and learning about diversity is most effective when
integrated into the daily life of the classroom.
J. Morefield
Recreating Schools for All Children
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Our world is changing, our country is changing, and
the traditional image of Maine and its people is changing. The change
can be seen in the increasing arrival of refugees, migrant workers,
baby boomer retirees and telecommuters, and the slow demise of the
lumber and fishing industries that gave Maine and its people their
identity. Some of us welcome this new face of Maine, some of us
are wary and perplexed, and almost all of us - adults and
children - find these changes add new opportunities to our daily lives.
The Born to Read Diversity Initiative uses children's literature
to help Maine's youngest children and their caregivers validate
their individual experience of difference, while developing an appreciation
for differences in their neighborhoods, communities, and the world
beyond. Sharing books and stories about difference brings readers
and listeners together and provides a safe space for children to
ask questions and express fears, hopes and concerns. These conversations
can build children's capacity for empathy, compassion and respect
for themselves and others.
Major Projects
Many Eyes, Many Voices: Talking About Difference through Children's
Literature: A statewide, literature-based training program to
encourage child care providers, teachers, volunteer readers and
parents to engage young children in meaningful conversation about
the differences.
Caregivers in a Changing World: A reading and discussion
series for child care providers and volunteer readers. Regional
seminars led by skilled facilitators bring child care providers
and volunteer readers together to discuss the themes of diversity
and inclusion in children's literature.
New Mainers Book Project: High-quality children's picture
books created from the stories and experiences of Maine's refugee
communities to preserve and present their cultural heritage, and
to promote their English language literacy.
Born to Read
Maine Humanities Council
674 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102
Phone: (207) 773-5051
Fax: (207) 773-2416
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