2023 Institute Multi-Modal Text Sets

The following text sets were created by the Institute’s planning team as resources for the Institute’s participants. Each set includes literature, audio, video, and primary documents that are conceptually related but provide multiple perspectives on the theme, time period, region, or community being highlighted. Each text set corresponds to one of the days of the institute, and was used to deepen and expand participants’ understanding of the highlighted theme, time period, region, or community.

Central Africa: Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya

This text set follows a range of stories around and about Central Africa. We encourage you to explore these stories in depth as you gain a wide range of perspectives and voices from the various characters, communities, families, and people depicted in these stories. From picturebooks to novels, this text set invites readers to reflect on Central Africa and the stories that come from within the heart of these cultures.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.20_ Central Africa Text Set.docx-compressed.pdf (203.36 KB)

Children’s & Adolescent Literature on Refugee and Immigrant Experiences

The following text set is an annotated bibliography of a large list of books that speak to the following themes: displacement due to violence and war, journeys of hardships, loss, and hope, as well as life in refugee camps and detention centers. Additionally, the text set speaks to themes of displacement and belonging to a new place, home as two places in one heart, the power of story and memory and lastly immigration and refugees across time and place in non-fiction.
Downloads
PDF icon 2023 Refugee and Immigrant Experiences.docx-compressed (1).pdf (146.29 KB)

Chinese Immigration

This text set conveys the many hardships experienced by Chinese immigrants to North America. In the late 1800s/early 1900s, Chinese immigrants arrived at Angel Island Immigration Center in California, with many coming to work on the transcontinental railroad. They faced tremendous prejudice, leading to the Chinese Exclusion Act, and separation from their families but overcame these odds to establish productive lives.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.13- Chinese ImmigrationPASSED.pdf (836.51 KB)

Counternarratives to Classic Texts

Read these novels to provide alternative experiences and perspectives to the Eurocentric narratives that dominate U.S. history, such as those found in the Little House books. The following books by Louise Erdrich and Linda Sue Parks are strongly reminiscent of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books in their evocative, detailed depictions of daily life on the “frontier” in the late 1800s, while providing a different lens and set of stories from those typically told about this time period.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.10_ Counternarratives to Classic Texts-compressed.pdf (135.29 KB)

Imprisonment of Japanese Americans

This text set follows the journeys and stories of many Japanese Americans in the United States during WWII. Follow along to learn more about their stories, experiences, and journeys depicted in nonfiction, fiction, novels, picturebooks, etc.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.19_ Imprisonment of Japanese Americans in WWII.docx (1)-compressed.pdf (250.75 KB)

Indigenous Tribal Nations of the Southwest

This text set highlights fiction and nonfiction books about the tribal nations of the Southwest, many authored by members of those nations. In addition, the set highlights some top books from other Tribal Nations in the U.S. and a set of bilingual books in Hopi and Navajo.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.10_ Indigenous Nations in the Southwest.pdf (862.28 KB)

Latinx Families & Communities

The Latinx community is characterized by its rich cultural diversity. Amidst this diversity, one common thread is the profound significance and strong presence of family bonds. This collection of books and multimedia texts honors the intricate dynamics of families within the Latinx culture and explores the powerful sense of collectivism that holds deep meaning and value for these communities.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.18_ Latinx Families and Communities In the U.S. (2)-compressed.pdf (603.91 KB)

LGBTQ+ Journeys

This text set is a collection of texts that invite readers to explore the migrations and journeys of LGBTQ+ communities throughout history and society.
Downloads
PDF icon LGBTQ+ Journeys Text Set -compressed.pdf (425.98 KB)

Memoirs

Memoirs are intimate accounts of an individual’s life experiences and reflections. They offer a unique glimpse into the author’s journey, emotions, and growth. Through memoirs, readers can explore themes of resilience, identity, cultural backgrounds, historical events, and the complexities of human relationships as well as the beauty behind what it means to be a human being. These captivating narratives foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse human spirit while at the same time reflecting on our own experiences as we interact with personal memoirs.
Downloads
PDF icon Memoir text set-compressed.pdf (318.1 KB)

Refugee Experiences in African Countries

In the relentless face of adversity, the refugee experience emerges as an epic testament to human resilience. Fleeing the horrors of conflict and persecution, they embark on perilous journeys, bearing the weight of shattered dreams and unspeakable loss. Yet, they carry an abundance of hope and determination. Overcoming treacherous terrains and hostile borders, they face the walls of indifference with unwavering courage, defying the limits of geography and culture. Their stories are a vivid reminder of our shared vulnerability and the universal longing for safety and belonging.
Downloads
PDF icon Refugees in Africa booklist.docx-compressed.pdf (165.93 KB)

Representations of Mexico in U.S. Literature

This text set is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of Mexico and its people. For many, Mexico is more than just a country it is home; filled with love, sweetness, and hope. Mexico lives within each Mexican individual as they go about their day with passion, love, and hard work. From the youngest newborn child to our abuelitas and abuelitos, being Mexican is pure joy and bliss. This text set is just a small snapshot of Mexico, its people, language, culture, traditions, values, food, music, art, and stories which make Mexico truly exceptional and unique.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.12_ Representations of Mexico (1)-compressed.pdf (521.9 KB)

Taking Action & Activism

Taking Action and Activism is a text set that embraces using your voice, ideas, writing, bodies, art, and other forms of expression to bring awareness as well as change to make the world a better place for everyone. This text set invites readers to think about taking action and activism, by engaging in stories, strategies, techniques, historical events, poems, and images.The text set is broken down into categories exploring various forms of what taking action looks like and sounds like.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.21_ Action and Activism-compressed.pdf (1.08 MB)

US-México Borderlands

The border between the United States and Mexico is a captivating tapestry that weaves together diverse cultures, enchanting languages, mouthwatering culinary traditions, and the embodiment of the American Dream. Here, where two worlds collide and intertwine, a mesmerizing fusion emerges captivating the senses and the heart.
Downloads
PDF icon 7.19_ US_Mexico Borderlands-compressed.pdf (590.23 KB)