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While many might consider the school that I teach in to be diverse, it is only that because it is different from who they identify as. Let me explain. As a Caucasian teacher, my 70-80% Hispanic students are diverse from what I grew up with. However, because the majority of my school is Hispanic, they are able to live in their own bubble where they are not exposed to cultures different from the one in their school, home, and community. I truly believe that books are a window to the outside world and I fully expect them to do this for my students. So even though I know the novel "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park will help students hone their skills like cause and effect, problem and solution, summarizing, listen, writing, etc., I also know it will provide the opportunity to look at the world in a new way. In this case, it helps them to learn about the life, culture and experiences of African adolescents from two different time periods. While these characters and my students are from two different worlds, I know my students will be able to make connections and build bridges that they have not had the chance to do in the past. Ultimately, your gift of a book will help with opening the door of opportunity to learn and grow while making students long walk a little shorter.
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