Final Project Article Review

The article I chose to review has to do with, as the title implies, teaching children about learning disabilities through children’s literature. According to the article there are so many books available that portray characters with disabilities, and it is our duty as educators to make these texts available for students in the classroom. The article primarily focuses on first selecting quality literature and then promoting the understanding and acceptance that these texts bring into the classroom. In order to select quality literature the author of the article outlines key points to consider when approaching any text. These points include the features of literature, which are theme, characterization, setting, plot, point of view, and literary style. She also points out that quality literature is not only defined by text, but also illustrations. Most importantly she outlines, “How children’s literature that portrays learning disabilities can be used to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with learning disabilities” (Parter, Dyches, Johnstun 15). Not only does she outline how to select these texts, but how we can use them to promote the overall understanding of disabilities for young students everywhere.