Author Identifier (ORCID)
Helen Adam: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3005-7142
Libby Jackson-Barrett: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3662-657X
Abstract
This paper introduces an extension of Rudine Sims Bishop’s influential metaphorical concepts of mirrors and windows for children’s books. Drawing on our collective experience as scholars and educators in critical pedagogy, we propose a more nuanced framework for understanding how books serve as mirrors for diverse children. Instead of thinking of mirrors as one-dimensional, we demonstrate that a book may sometimes serve as both a mirror and a window. Our evidence points to different types of mirrors, and we present these as an innovative framework for thinking about the nature of mirrors that books may present to children. We present vignettes of critically conscious dialogues with children about mirrors and windows, demonstrating the importance of children’s voices about books that speak to them. It is anticipated that the new knowledge presented in this paper will provide educators with increased confidence and strategies for infusing the curriculum with diverse literature for children.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
2025
Publication Title
The Australian Journal of Language and Literacy
Publisher
Springer Nature
School
School of Education
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons
Comments
This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44020-025-00092-y
This is an Author Accepted Manuscript of:
Adam, H., Boutte, G., López-Robertson, J., Wenyu, G., Jackson-Barrett, L., & Kozeny, M. (2025). This is like a mirror! That’s like me!: Differentiated literature mirrors for diverse children. The Australian Journal of Language and Literacy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44020-025-00092-y