The Our Voices series features stories of children from various cultural heritages, written and illustrated by creators from those same backgrounds. These sets of colorful and engaging readers help children build key reading skills while also developing their understanding of and appreciation for a wide range of cultures and experiences.
Research shows that students’ reading achievement and motivation are affected by the books that are available to them. Kids who are offered books that reflect their cultural backgrounds are more likely to be successful readers. Seeing a wide range of cultural backgrounds in books helps kids gain empathy and become better global citizens.
By providing “mirrors” and “windows” for all students, Our Voices creates an inclusive classroom community that celebrates everyone. From the foods we eat to the holidays we celebrate, learning about many cultures helps us better understand ourselves and our world.
